C#m6 Chord (C# minor 6th) on Guitar
C#m6 (C# minor 6th) is made of the notes C# – E – G# – A#. The easiest guitar fingering is x42320 (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 C#m6
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 4 (C#).
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2 (E).
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 3 (A#).
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 2 (C#).
- 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) | 4 | C# | R |
| 4th string (D) | 2 | E | b3 |
| 3rd string (G) | 3 | A# | 6 |
| 2nd string (B) | 2 | C# | R |
| 1st string (high e) | 0 (open) | E | b3 |
What is a C# minor 6th chord?
A minor 6th chord adds the major sixth to a minor triad.
Notes and formula. C#m6 contains C#, E, G#, A#. Counted from the root C#, that is R (root), b3 (minor 3rd), 5 (perfect 5th), 6 (major 6th). It is also written Dbm6; 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 C#m6
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 C#m6
Related chords
C#m6 chord FAQ
What notes are in a C#m6 chord?
C#m6 (C# minor 6th) contains the notes C#, E, G#, A#. The formula is R–b3–5–6 relative to the root C#.
How do you play C#m6 on guitar?
The most common shape for C#m6 is x42320, 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#m6 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#m6 the same as Dbm6?
Yes. C# and Db are enharmonic: they are the same pitch with different names, so C#m6 and Dbm6 sound identical on guitar. The name used depends on the key of the song.
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