Abm6 Chord (Ab minor 6th) on Guitar
Abm6 (Ab minor 6th) is made of the notes Ab – Cb – Eb – F. The easiest guitar fingering is 42310x (low E to high e; x = muted, 0 = open). It needs 4 fingers and no barre.
Easiest shape
Alternative shape
Higher position
How to play Abm6
- Press the 6th string (low E) at fret 4 (Ab).
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 2 (Cb).
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 3 (F).
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 1 (Ab).
- Play the 2nd string (B) open (Cb).
- Do not play the 1st string (high e).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | 4 | Ab | R |
| 5th string (A) | 2 | Cb | b3 |
| 4th string (D) | 3 | F | 6 |
| 3rd string (G) | 1 | Ab | R |
| 2nd string (B) | 0 (open) | Cb | b3 |
| 1st string (high e) | x (mute) | - |
What is a Ab minor 6th chord?
A minor 6th chord adds the major sixth to a minor triad.
Notes and formula. Abm6 contains Ab, Cb, Eb, F. Counted from the root Ab, that is R (root), b3 (minor 3rd), 5 (perfect 5th), 6 (major 6th). It is also written G#m6; the two names sound identical and the name used depends on the key of the song.
Sound. Mysterious and film-noir. It is minor, but with an unexpected lift on top.
Where it is used. Used in jazz, bossa nova, gypsy jazz and cinematic music, often as a stand-in for the plain minor chord.
Tips for playing Abm6
Try it as the first chord in a minor song for an instant dramatic mood.
Common mistake: Mixing it up with the minor 7th. The major 6th sits a half step below the flat 7th, so the two chords sound close but not identical.
Scales to play over Abm6
Related chords
Abm6 chord FAQ
What notes are in a Abm6 chord?
Abm6 (Ab minor 6th) contains the notes Ab, Cb, Eb, F. The formula is R–b3–5–6 relative to the root Ab.
How do you play Abm6 on guitar?
The most common shape for Abm6 is 42310x, read from the low E string to the high e string (x = muted, 0 = open, numbers = frets). It needs 4 fingers and no barre.
Is Abm6 an easy guitar chord?
It is rated intermediate. It needs 4 fingers and no barre.
Is Abm6 the same as G#m6?
Yes. Ab and G# are enharmonic: they are the same pitch with different names, so Abm6 and G#m6 sound identical on guitar. The name used depends on the key of the song.
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