Major

Major sixth chords

Major triad plus major 6th: Root (C), Major 3rd (E), Perfect 5th (G), Major 6th (A). Formula: 1-3-5-6

In every key

The same shape, moved. The symbols below are spelled the way the app spells them, which is the spelling the chord's own scale asks for rather than whichever accidental is easier to type.

  • C6
  • Db6
  • D6
  • Eb6
  • E6
  • F6
  • F#6
  • G6
  • Ab6
  • A6
  • Bb6
  • B6

Voicings

Written in C, because that is the key the encyclopedia authors them in; every one transposes unchanged.

Root Position

C · E · G · A

beginner

Octaves shown are the app's default ascending voicing.

Drop-2

E · G · A · C

intermediate

Octaves shown are the app's default ascending voicing.

Rootless (3-5-6-9)

E · G · A · D

intermediate

Bill Evans rootless 6/9 — omits the root, adds the 9th

Locked-Hands Block (melody doubled)

C · E · G · A · C

intermediate

LH thumb on low C; RH spreads E-G-A-C, top C is the melody note. Move both hands in parallel.

Where it turns up

Vintage jazz sound, common in swing era. Can substitute for Cmaj7 for a mellower sound. Used as tonic chord.

Commonly swapped with

  • Cmaj7
  • Am7