Iadd9–IVadd9

The Iadd9–IVadd9 progression moves between two add9 chords, creating a bright, shimmering sound richer than plain triads but less complex than full ninth chords. The added ninth on both chords provides a consistent color that ties the progression together, producing the jangly, open voicings characteristic of 1980s and 1990s alternative rock and modern pop ballads.

Pattern: Iadd9 – IVadd9 Example in C Major: Cadd9 – Fadd9

Genre: pop, rock, alternative Difficulty: beginner

Choose a Key

C Major Cadd9 – Fadd9 G Major Gadd9 – Cadd9 D Major Dadd9 – Gadd9 A Major Aadd9 – Dadd9 E Major Eadd9 – Aadd9 B Major Badd9 – Eadd9 F♯ Major F♯add9 – Badd9 F Major Fadd9 – Bbadd9 B♭ Major Bbadd9 – Ebadd9 E♭ Major Ebadd9 – Abadd9 A♭ Major Abadd9 – Dbadd9 D♭ Major Dbadd9 – Gbadd9

Song Examples

Every Breath You Take — The Police
Wonderwall — Oasis
With or Without You — U2

Related Progressions

I–IV Imaj7–IVmaj7 Iadd9–V