C#6 Chord (C# major 6th) on Guitar
C#6 (C# major 6th) is made of the notes C# – E# – G# – A#. The easiest guitar fingering is 986666 (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.
Main shape
Alternative shape
Higher position
How to play C#6
- Press the 6th string (low E) at fret 9 (C#).
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 8 (E#).
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 6 (G#).
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 6 (C#).
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 6 (E#).
- Press the 1st string (high e) at fret 6 (A#).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | 9 | C# | R |
| 5th string (A) | 8 | E# | 3 |
| 4th string (D) | 6 | G# | 5 |
| 3rd string (G) | 6 | C# | R |
| 2nd string (B) | 6 | E# | 3 |
| 1st string (high e) | 6 | A# | 6 |
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. C#6 contains C#, E#, G#, A#. Counted from the root C#, that is R (root), 3 (major 3rd), 5 (perfect 5th), 6 (major 6th). It is also written Db6; 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 C#6
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 C#6
Related chords
C#6 chord FAQ
What notes are in a C#6 chord?
C#6 (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 C#6 on guitar?
The most common shape for C#6 is 986666, 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 C#6 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.
Is C#6 the same as Db6?
Yes. C# and Db are enharmonic: they are the same pitch with different names, so C#6 and Db6 sound identical on guitar. The name used depends on the key of the song.
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