Bbm6 Chord (Bb minor 6th) on Guitar
Bbm6 (Bb minor 6th) is made of the notes Bb – Db – F – G. The easiest guitar fingering is x1302x (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 Bbm6
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 1 (Bb).
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 3 (F).
- Play the 3rd string (G) open (G).
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 2 (Db).
- 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) | 3 | F | 5 |
| 3rd string (G) | 0 (open) | G | 6 |
| 2nd string (B) | 2 | Db | b3 |
| 1st string (high e) | x (mute) | - |
What is a Bb minor 6th chord?
A minor 6th chord adds the major sixth to a minor triad.
Notes and formula. Bbm6 contains Bb, Db, F, G. Counted from the root Bb, that is R (root), b3 (minor 3rd), 5 (perfect 5th), 6 (major 6th). It is also written A#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 Bbm6
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 Bbm6
Related chords
Bbm6 chord FAQ
What notes are in a Bbm6 chord?
Bbm6 (Bb minor 6th) contains the notes Bb, Db, F, G. The formula is R–b3–5–6 relative to the root Bb.
How do you play Bbm6 on guitar?
The most common shape for Bbm6 is x1302x, 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 Bbm6 an easy guitar chord?
It is rated intermediate. It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Is Bbm6 the same as A#m6?
Yes. Bb and A# are enharmonic: they are the same pitch with different names, so Bbm6 and A#m6 sound identical on guitar. The name used depends on the key of the song.
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