Iadd9–IVadd9 in G Major

Pattern: Iadd9 – IVadd9 Chords: Gadd9 – Cadd9

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
Iadd9	Gadd9 (details)	add9	Tonic
IVadd9	Cadd9 (details)	add9	Subdominant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through Gadd9 (Tonic) → Cadd9 (Subdominant).

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.

Song Examples

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

Chord Details

Gadd9 Cadd9

More Progressions in G Major

I–IV–V–I I–V–vi–IV I–vi–IV–V ii–V–I I–IV–V I–♭VII–IV vi–IV–I–V I–V–vi–iii–IV–I–IV–V I–IV I–V IV–V IV–I

Related Progressions

I–IV Imaj7–IVmaj7 Iadd9–V