Minor add9 Arpeggios on Guitar
In a previous lesson we explored the major add9 arpeggio, which is derived from the major add9 chord. In this lesson we’re going to take a look at the beautifully melodic arpeggio, the minor add9 arpeggio. We’ll look at how they’re built and the explore the common arpeggio shapes on the guitar.
Building Minor add9 Arpeggios
Just like the major add9 chords are built by adding a 9th to the major triad, the minor add9 chords are built by adding a 9th to the root, minor 3rd, and perfect 5th of the minor chord.
While the note added is technically the major 2nd, it’s considered a 9th due the way chords are constructed. It will be notated as a major 2nd in the arpeggio diagrams in this lesson.
The minor add9 arpeggios can be created directly from the minor CAGED chord shapes. We just need to add the major 2nd to the existing minor CAGED arpeggios.
Now let’s play through each minor add9 arpeggio shape and review the recommended fingering.
C Minor Shape add9 Arpeggio
For the Cm shape add9 arpeggio, we’re starting with the root note on the 5th string. Recommended fingering is shown in the diagram, but feel free to adjust to your liking.
A Minor Shape add9 Arpeggio
For the Am shape add9 arpeggio, we’re starting with the root note on the 5th string.
G Minor Shape add9 Arpeggio
The Gm shape add9 arpeggio starts on the root note of the 6th string.
E Minor Shape add9 Arpeggio
For the Em shape add9 arpeggio, we’re starting with the root note on the 6th string. This shape plays a bit differently than the rest due to the one fret shift that happens on the 3rd string.
D Minor Shape add9 Arpeggio
Lastly, for the Dm shape add9 arpeggio, we’re starting with the root note on the 4th string.
Diagonal Minor add9 Arpeggio Patterns
We can also form diagonal arpeggio patterns that move horizontally up the fretboard, which are great for transitioning between positions. If you’ve familiarized yourself with the major add9 arpeggios from the previous lesson, picking up the minor add9 arpeggios will be a breeze.
Diagonal Arpeggios – 6th String Root
Diagonal Arpeggios – 5th String Root
Diagonal Arpeggios – 4th String Root
Wrap up
In this lesson we looked at the minor add9 arpeggios and how they can be formed from the minor CAGED chord shapes and also be taken diagonally up the fretboard. I find these arpeggios to be particularly melodic, making them awesome to use over minor chords. Try incorporating them over the minor backing tracks on the backing tracks page.
Supplemental content for this lesson is available on Patreon.
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