C6 Chord (C major 6th) on Guitar
C6 (C major 6th) is made of the notes C – E – G – A. The easiest guitar fingering is x32250 (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 C6
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 3 (C).
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2 (E).
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 2 (A).
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 5 (E).
- 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) | 3 | C | R |
| 4th string (D) | 2 | E | 3 |
| 3rd string (G) | 2 | A | 6 |
| 2nd string (B) | 5 | E | 3 |
| 1st string (high e) | 0 (open) | E | 3 |
What is a C major 6th chord?
A major 6th chord adds the sixth note of the scale to a major triad.
Notes and formula. C6 contains C, E, G, A. Counted from the root C, that is R (root), 3 (major 3rd), 5 (perfect 5th), 6 (major 6th).
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 C6
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 C6
Related chords
C6 chord FAQ
What notes are in a C6 chord?
C6 (C major 6th) contains the notes C, E, G, A. The formula is R–3–5–6 relative to the root C.
How do you play C6 on guitar?
The most common shape for C6 is x32250, 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 C6 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.
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