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, F#Add9, and F#Add2. 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
F#add9, F#add2
Also called
F# Major Add 9F#Add9F#Add2

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 F#Add9 or F#Add2.

Chord construction and defining tones

3A#
9G#

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 F#add9 and major chords where the ninth adds color but no major- or dominant-seventh quality is intended.

Practice this arpeggio on guitar

  1. 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.
  2. Pair 3 (A#) and 9 (G#) in different octaves and keep the ninth separated from the root when possible.
  3. Outline F#add9 and use the ninth as a melodic upper extension before returning to the triad.

Fretboard diagram

F# Major Add9 Guitar Arpeggio fretboard diagram in standard tuning
F# Major Add9 Guitar Arpeggio fretboard diagram in standard tuning.

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

Arpeggio diagrams by tuning