Guitar arpeggio
F Major Add9 Guitar Arpeggio
F Major Add9 is a four-note added-tone arpeggio built from F, A, C, and G. It is also commonly called F Major Add 9, FAdd9, and FAdd2. Use it to study chord tones, interval formulas, and guitar fretboard positions.
- Chord tones
- F, A, C, G
- Formula
- 1 3 5 9
- Semitones
- 0 4 7 14
- Chord symbols
- Fadd9, Fadd2
- Also called
- F Major Add 9FAdd9FAdd2
How to read this arpeggio
The chord tones are shown as pitch classes first. In the fretboard tool, square markers represent F root notes, while circular markers represent the remaining tones in the arpeggio.
Use the interactive fretboard to locate the F root notes and connect the remaining major add9 chord tones across standard tuning.
This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called F Major Add 9 or FAdd9 or FAdd2.
Chord construction and defining tones
F major add9 is defined by 3 (A) and 9 (G). It keeps the complete major triad and adds the ninth without including a seventh.
Harmonic use
Use this arpeggio over Fadd9 and major chords where the ninth adds color but no major- or dominant-seventh quality is intended.
Practice this arpeggio on guitar
- Play the F Major Add9 arpeggio from one F root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and interval degree aloud.
- Pair 3 (A) and 9 (G) in different octaves and keep the ninth separated from the root when possible.
- Outline Fadd9 and use the ninth as a melodic upper extension before returning to the triad.
Fretboard diagram
Open this arpeggio in the fretboard tool
Start with F Major Add9 loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboard