Ebm6 Chord (Eb minor 6th) on Guitar
Ebm6 (Eb minor 6th) is made of the notes Eb – Gb – Bb – C. The easiest guitar fingering is xx1312 (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 Ebm6
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 1 (Eb).
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 3 (Bb).
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 1 (C).
- Press the 1st string (high e) at fret 2 (Gb).
- 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) | 3 | Bb | 5 |
| 2nd string (B) | 1 | C | 6 |
| 1st string (high e) | 2 | Gb | b3 |
What is a Eb minor 6th chord?
A minor 6th chord adds the major sixth to a minor triad.
Notes and formula. Ebm6 contains Eb, Gb, Bb, C. Counted from the root Eb, that is R (root), b3 (minor 3rd), 5 (perfect 5th), 6 (major 6th). It is also written D#m6; 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 Ebm6
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 Ebm6
Related chords
Ebm6 chord FAQ
What notes are in a Ebm6 chord?
Ebm6 (Eb minor 6th) contains the notes Eb, Gb, Bb, C. The formula is R–b3–5–6 relative to the root Eb.
How do you play Ebm6 on guitar?
The most common shape for Ebm6 is xx1312, 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 Ebm6 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 Ebm6 the same as D#m6?
Yes. Eb and D# are enharmonic: they are the same pitch with different names, so Ebm6 and D#m6 sound identical on guitar. The name used depends on the key of the song.
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