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A minor 6th chord on bass (Am6)
Also called or written Am6, Amin6, Amin maj6 or A Minor Major 6
A minor 6th is built from A, C, E, and F♯. The 8-9-7-9 shape demands a wide stretch across the neck.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭3, 5, 6
- Root positionA–C–E–F♯Am6no shape on this instrument
- First inversionC–E–F♯–AAm6/C8-9-7-9
- Second inversionE–F♯–A–CAm6/E12-12-10-11
- Third inversionF♯–A–C–EAm6/F♯2-3-2-2
How do you play an A minor 6th chord on bass?
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.
Full note and interval breakdown
| 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) |
AdvancedThe wide stretch between the index on fret 7 and pinky on fret 9 taxes smaller hands.
Amin6/E inversion
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.
Full note and interval breakdown
| 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) |
Amin6/F♯ inversion · fret 2
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.
Full note and interval breakdown
| 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) |
Amin6/F♯ inversion · fret 14
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.
Full note and interval breakdown
| 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) |
Why it sounds like that
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.
What goes wrong with A minor 6th?
- Letting the index finger collapse and buzz the 2nd string.
- Allowing the pinky to touch the 1st string, deadening the F♯.
- Strumming the open 5th string, which adds an unwanted A.
When to use it
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.
Changing to and from A minor 6th
- Sliding the shape down two frets to the 7th fret gives G minor 6th.
- Sliding the shape up two frets to the 9th fret gives B minor 6th.
Which voicing to use
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.
Other A chords
Common questions
How is A minor 6th written?
A minor 6th is written Am6, min maj6, or Amin6. It is also called Minor Major 6.
What is the difference between A minor 6th and A minor 7th?
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.
Can I play A minor 6th with a barre?
The supplied positions do not use a barre. The finger plan assigns one finger per string. A barre would make the stretch harder.
Why does the F♯ inversion sound different?
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.