Eb6 Chord (Eb major 6th) on Guitar
Eb6 (Eb major 6th) is made of the notes Eb – G – Bb – C. The easiest guitar fingering is xx1013 (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 Eb6
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 1 (Eb).
- Play the 3rd string (G) open (G).
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 1 (C).
- Press the 1st string (high e) at fret 3 (G).
- Do not play the 6th string (low E).
- Do not play the 5th string (A).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | x (mute) | - | |
| 5th string (A) | x (mute) | - | |
| 4th string (D) | 1 | Eb | R |
| 3rd string (G) | 0 (open) | G | 3 |
| 2nd string (B) | 1 | C | 6 |
| 1st string (high e) | 3 | G | 3 |
What is a Eb major 6th chord?
A major 6th chord adds the sixth note of the scale to a major triad.
Notes and formula. Eb6 contains Eb, G, Bb, C. Counted from the root Eb, that is R (root), 3 (major 3rd), 5 (perfect 5th), 6 (major 6th). It is also written D#6; 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 Eb6
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 Eb6
Related chords
Eb6 chord FAQ
What notes are in a Eb6 chord?
Eb6 (Eb major 6th) contains the notes Eb, G, Bb, C. The formula is R–3–5–6 relative to the root Eb.
How do you play Eb6 on guitar?
The most common shape for Eb6 is xx1013, 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 Eb6 an easy guitar chord?
It is rated intermediate. It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Is Eb6 the same as D#6?
Yes. Eb and D# are enharmonic: they are the same pitch with different names, so Eb6 and D#6 sound identical on guitar. The name used depends on the key of the song.
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