From beatlesbible.com:
The Fadd9 chord, as played by Harrison on his 12-string Rickenbacker 360/12 guitar, was as follows.
John Lennon also performed an Fadd9, using a Gibson J-160 6-string acoustic guitar.
E ----3----
B ----1----
G ----2----
D ----3----
A ----o----
E ----1----
There have been a number of theories as to the identity of the chord. Over the years, suggestions have included the following:
- A dominant 9th of F in the key of C
- G-C-F-Bb-D-G
- C-Bb-D-F-G-C in the key of C
- A polytriad ii7/V in Ab major
- G7sus4 (open position)
- D7sus4 (open position)
- G7 with added 9th and suspended 4th
- A superimposition of Dm, F, and G
- Gsus4/D
- G11sus4
- G7sus7/A
- Dm11 with no 9th
- Gm7add11
- G9sus4/D
The chord was confirmed by George Harrison as an Fadd9 during an online chat on 15 February 2001:
Q: Mr Harrison, what is the opening chord you used for A Hard Day's Night?
A: It is F with a G on top (on the 12-string), but you'll have to ask Paul about the bass note to get the proper story.