Guitar arpeggio

G Minor Add9 Guitar Arpeggio

G Minor Add9 is a four-note added-tone arpeggio built from G, Bb, D, and A. It is also commonly called G Minor Add 9, Gmadd9, and G min add9. Use it to study chord tones, interval formulas, and guitar fretboard positions.

Chord tones
G, Bb, D, A
Formula
1 b3 5 9
Semitones
0 3 7 14
Chord symbols
Gmadd9, Gminadd9
Also called
G Minor Add 9Gmadd9G min add9

How to read this arpeggio

The chord tones are shown as pitch classes first. In the fretboard tool, square markers represent G root notes, while circular markers represent the remaining tones in the arpeggio.

Use the interactive fretboard to locate the G root notes and connect the remaining minor add9 chord tones across standard tuning.

This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called G Minor Add 9 or Gmadd9 or G min add9.

Chord construction and defining tones

b3Bb
9A

G minor add9 is defined by b3 (Bb) and 9 (A). It keeps the minor triad and adds the ninth without adding a seventh.

Harmonic use

Use this arpeggio over Gmadd9 and minor chords where the natural ninth is part of the voicing or melody.

Practice this arpeggio on guitar

  1. Play the G Minor Add9 arpeggio from one G root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and interval degree aloud.
  2. Connect b3 (Bb) and 9 (A) across two octaves and compare the color of the ninth against the minor third.
  3. Play over Gmadd9, treating the ninth as a color tone that resolves to the root or minor third.

Fretboard diagram

G Minor Add9 Guitar Arpeggio fretboard diagram in standard tuning
G Minor Add9 Guitar Arpeggio fretboard diagram in standard tuning.

Open this arpeggio in the fretboard tool

Start with G Minor Add9 loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Arpeggio diagrams by tuning