Am6 Chord (A minor 6th) on Guitar
Am6 (A minor 6th) is made of the notes A – C – E – F#. The easiest guitar fingering is x04210 (low E to high e; x = muted, 0 = open). It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Easiest shape
Alternative shape
Higher position
How to play Am6
- Play the 5th string (A) open (A).
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 4 (F#).
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 2 (A).
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 1 (C).
- Play the 1st string (high e) open (E).
- Do not play the 6th string (low E).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | x (mute) | - | |
| 5th string (A) | 0 (open) | A | R |
| 4th string (D) | 4 | F# | 6 |
| 3rd string (G) | 2 | A | R |
| 2nd string (B) | 1 | C | b3 |
| 1st string (high e) | 0 (open) | E | 5 |
What is a A minor 6th chord?
A minor 6th chord adds the major sixth to a minor triad.
Notes and formula. Am6 contains A, C, E, F#. Counted from the root A, that is R (root), b3 (minor 3rd), 5 (perfect 5th), 6 (major 6th).
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 Am6
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 Am6
Related chords
Am6 chord FAQ
What notes are in a Am6 chord?
Am6 (A minor 6th) contains the notes A, C, E, F#. The formula is R–b3–5–6 relative to the root A.
How do you play Am6 on guitar?
The most common shape for Am6 is x04210, read from the low E string to the high e string (x = muted, 0 = open, numbers = frets). It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Is Am6 an easy guitar chord?
It is rated intermediate. It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
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