Cm6 Chord (C minor 6th) on Guitar
Cm6 (C minor 6th) is made of the notes C – Eb – G – A. The easiest guitar fingering is x35045 (low E to high e; x = muted, 0 = open). It needs 4 fingers and no barre.
Easiest shape
Alternative shape
How to play Cm6
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 3 (C).
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 5 (G).
- Play the 3rd string (G) open (G).
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 4 (Eb).
- Press the 1st string (high e) at fret 5 (A).
- 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) | 5 | G | 5 |
| 3rd string (G) | 0 (open) | G | 5 |
| 2nd string (B) | 4 | Eb | b3 |
| 1st string (high e) | 5 | A | 6 |
What is a C minor 6th chord?
A minor 6th chord adds the major sixth to a minor triad.
Notes and formula. Cm6 contains C, Eb, G, A. Counted from the root C, 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 Cm6
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 Cm6
Related chords
Cm6 chord FAQ
What notes are in a Cm6 chord?
Cm6 (C minor 6th) contains the notes C, Eb, G, A. The formula is R–b3–5–6 relative to the root C.
How do you play Cm6 on guitar?
The most common shape for Cm6 is x35045, 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 Cm6 an easy guitar chord?
It is rated intermediate. It needs 4 fingers and no barre.
Get one useful guitar tip a week
New chord guides, practice ideas and app updates. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.