Ab6 Chord (Ab major 6th) on Guitar
Ab6 (Ab major 6th) is made of the notes Ab – C – Eb – F. The easiest guitar fingering is 431111 (low E to high e; x = muted, 0 = open). It uses a barre, so it is more demanding than an open chord. Expect it to take some practice to sound clean.
Easiest shape
Alternative shape
Higher position
How to play Ab6
- Press the 6th string (low E) at fret 4 (Ab).
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 3 (C).
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 1 (Eb).
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 1 (Ab).
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 1 (C).
- Press the 1st string (high e) at fret 1 (F).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | 4 | Ab | R |
| 5th string (A) | 3 | C | 3 |
| 4th string (D) | 1 | Eb | 5 |
| 3rd string (G) | 1 | Ab | R |
| 2nd string (B) | 1 | C | 3 |
| 1st string (high e) | 1 | F | 6 |
What is a Ab major 6th chord?
A major 6th chord adds the sixth note of the scale to a major triad.
Notes and formula. Ab6 contains Ab, C, Eb, F. Counted from the root Ab, that is R (root), 3 (major 3rd), 5 (perfect 5th), 6 (major 6th). It is also written G#6; the two names sound identical and the name used depends on the key of the song.
Sound. Warm, sweet and vintage. It has a gentle, resolved quality popular in older jazz and swing.
Where it is used. Often used as an ending chord in jazz, swing, country and early rock and roll.
Tips for playing Ab6
Use a 6th chord to close a song instead of a plain major chord for a classic "final" sound.
Common mistake: Confusing C6 with Am7. They contain the same notes, and the bass note decides which you hear.
Scales to play over Ab6
Related chords
Ab6 chord FAQ
What notes are in a Ab6 chord?
Ab6 (Ab major 6th) contains the notes Ab, C, Eb, F. The formula is R–3–5–6 relative to the root Ab.
How do you play Ab6 on guitar?
The most common shape for Ab6 is 431111, read from the low E string to the high e string (x = muted, 0 = open, numbers = frets). It uses a barre, so it is more demanding than an open chord. Expect it to take some practice to sound clean.
Is Ab6 an easy guitar chord?
It is rated intermediate. It uses a barre, so it is more demanding than an open chord. Expect it to take some practice to sound clean.
Is Ab6 the same as G#6?
Yes. Ab and G# are enharmonic: they are the same pitch with different names, so Ab6 and G#6 sound identical on guitar. The name used depends on the key of the song.
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