Chord Extensions: Add 9 Chords

The first chord extension is the Add2 or Add9 chord, which will add the 2nd degree of the scale to the chord. When the 2nd degree of the scale is raised up an octave, it becomes a 9th (2+7 = 9). 

The Formula for an Add 9 Chord is: Root, 2nd (9th), 3rd, 5th.

Switching Between Chords: Add9 Chords

With each new chord that we learn, start practicing switching between the chords by strumming whole notes at 60bpm. The goal with these exercises is to play in time but allow for a substantial amount of time to learn to switch the chord and stay in time with the metronome.

When comfortable switching chords using whole notes which are strummed every four beats, try to move on to the next exercise using half notes, which are strummed every two beats. When comfortable with half notes, move on to quarter notes, which are strummed on every beat.