Bb6 Chord (Bb major 6th) on Guitar
Bb6 (Bb major 6th) is made of the notes Bb – D – F – G. The easiest guitar fingering is x1003x (low E to high e; x = muted, 0 = open). It needs only 2 fingers, which makes it comfortable to play.
Easiest shape
Alternative shape
Higher position
How to play Bb6
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 1 (Bb).
- Play the 4th string (D) open (D).
- Play the 3rd string (G) open (G).
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 3 (D).
- Do not play the 6th string (low E).
- Do not play the 1st string (high e).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | x (mute) | - | |
| 5th string (A) | 1 | Bb | R |
| 4th string (D) | 0 (open) | D | 3 |
| 3rd string (G) | 0 (open) | G | 6 |
| 2nd string (B) | 3 | D | 3 |
| 1st string (high e) | x (mute) | - |
What is a Bb major 6th chord?
A major 6th chord adds the sixth note of the scale to a major triad.
Notes and formula. Bb6 contains Bb, D, F, G. Counted from the root Bb, that is R (root), 3 (major 3rd), 5 (perfect 5th), 6 (major 6th). It is also written A#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 Bb6
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 Bb6
Related chords
Bb6 chord FAQ
What notes are in a Bb6 chord?
Bb6 (Bb major 6th) contains the notes Bb, D, F, G. The formula is R–3–5–6 relative to the root Bb.
How do you play Bb6 on guitar?
The most common shape for Bb6 is x1003x, read from the low E string to the high e string (x = muted, 0 = open, numbers = frets). It needs only 2 fingers, which makes it comfortable to play.
Is Bb6 an easy guitar chord?
It is rated intermediate. It needs only 2 fingers, which makes it comfortable to play.
Is Bb6 the same as A#6?
Yes. Bb and A# are enharmonic: they are the same pitch with different names, so Bb6 and A#6 sound identical on guitar. The name used depends on the key of the song.
Get one useful guitar tip a week
New chord guides, practice ideas and app updates. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.