Also written Am6, Amin6 or Amin maj6
A minor 6th is built from A, C, E, and F♯. The 8-9-7-9 shape demands a wide stretch across the neck.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
A minor 6th uses the 1, ♭3, 5, 6 formula, adding F♯ to the A minor triad. The major sixth interval gives it a bright, unresolved color. Compare with A minor to hear the difference.
A minor 6th works as a tonic in A minor progressions, especially in jazz and blues. Try it in a i–iv–v with A minor and E minor. It also suits dorian grooves.
The C inversion at fret 8 puts the ♭3 in the bass, softening the chord. The F♯ inversion at fret 2 gives a brighter, more open sound. Choose the E inversion at fret 12 for a higher register.
A minor 6th is played at the 7th fret as 8 9 7 9: middle finger on the E string at fret 8, ring finger on the A string at fret 9, index finger on the D string at fret 7 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 9.
Tip — The wide stretch between the index on fret 7 and pinky on fret 9 taxes smaller hands.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 8 | 2 | C (♭3) |
| 3 (A) | 9 | 3 | F♯ (6) |
| 2 (D) | 7 | 1 | A (1) |
| 1 (G) | 9 | 4 | E (5) |
A minor 6th is played at the 10th fret as 12 12 10 11: ring finger on the E string at fret 12, pinky finger on the A string at fret 12, index finger on the D string at fret 10 and middle finger on the G string at fret 11.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 12 | 3 | E (5) |
| 3 (A) | 12 | 4 | A (1) |
| 2 (D) | 10 | 1 | C (♭3) |
| 1 (G) | 11 | 2 | F♯ (6) |
A minor 6th is played at the 2nd fret as 2 3 2 2: index finger on the E string at fret 2, pinky finger on the A string at fret 3, middle finger on the D string at fret 2 and ring finger on the G string at fret 2.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 2 | 1 | F♯ (6) |
| 3 (A) | 3 | 4 | C (♭3) |
| 2 (D) | 2 | 2 | E (5) |
| 1 (G) | 2 | 3 | A (1) |
A minor 6th is played at the 14th fret as 14 15 14 14: index finger on the E string at fret 14, pinky finger on the A string at fret 15, middle finger on the D string at fret 14 and ring finger on the G string at fret 14.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 14 | 1 | F♯ (6) |
| 3 (A) | 15 | 4 | C (♭3) |
| 2 (D) | 14 | 2 | E (5) |
| 1 (G) | 14 | 3 | A (1) |
A minor 6th is written Am6, min maj6, or Amin6. It is also called Minor Major 6.
A minor 6th has F♯, while A minor 7th has G. The sixth creates a brighter, more melodic tension than the seventh. Use minor 6th for a dorian or melodic minor sound.
The supplied positions do not use a barre. The finger plan assigns one finger per string. A barre would make the stretch harder.
The F♯ inversion puts the sixth in the bass, creating a first-inversion feel. It is less stable than the C inversion and works well as a passing chord.