F Sixth Added Ninth Bass Arpeggio
Bass arpeggio — fretboard diagram
F Sixth Added Ninth Arpeggio — Notes and Intervals
Notes: F, A, C, D, G
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 5P, 6M, 9M
Formula: 2W-WH-W-5
Number of notes: 5
Also known as: 6add9, 6/9, 69, M69
The F Sixth Added Ninth arpeggio contains 5 notes (F, A, C, D, G). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this arpeggio on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.
When to Use the F Sixth Added Ninth Arpeggio
Play the F Sixth Added Ninth arpeggio whenever a F Sixth Added Ninth chord appears in a progression. Unlike scales (which include passing tones), arpeggios guarantee every note you play IS a chord tone, making your solo sound harmonically precise and intentional.
Arpeggio vs. Scale
The F Sixth Added Ninth arpeggio uses 5 notes (F, A, C, D, G) while the full scale uses 7. The arpeggio is a subset — think of it as the skeleton of the scale. Practice alternating between the arpeggio and the full scale to develop a melodic vocabulary that mixes chord tones with passing tones.
How to Play F Sixth Added Ninth Arpeggio on Bass
On bass, locate F on the E string at fret 1. Span the 5 notes (F, A, C, D, G) across two to three strings using one finger per fret. Focus on even tone production between plucked strings and smooth position shifts.
The F Sixth Added Ninth arpeggio contains extended tones beyond the basic triad, adding harmonic color and sophistication. Use it over F9, F11, F13 chords to outline richer voicings in jazz, fusion, and neo-soul contexts.
Practice Routine
Practice the F Sixth Added Ninth arpeggio in different octaves, starting low and working up. Then try displacing the octaves — play the root low, the A an octave higher, and continue leaping. This trains your ear to hear the intervals (1P, 3M, 5P, 6M, 9M) in any register.
Bass Tips
Practice the F Sixth Added Ninth arpeggio on bass using a raking technique across adjacent strings for a smooth, flowing sound. Then try the same shape with a two-finger alternating pluck for a more defined, punchy articulation.