Also written Bm6, Bmin6 or Bmin maj6
B minor 6th is built from B, D, F♯, and G♯. The 10-11-9-11 shape demands a wide stretch across the neck.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
B minor 6th uses the 1, ♭3, 5, 6 formula, adding G♯ to the B minor triad. The major sixth interval gives it a bright, unresolved color. Compare with B minor to hear the difference.
B minor 6th works as a tonic in B minor progressions, especially in jazz and blues. Try it in a i–iv–v with B minor and F♯ minor. It also suits dorian grooves.
The D inversion at fret 10 puts the ♭3 in the bass, softening the chord. The G♯ inversion at fret 4 gives a brighter, more open sound. Choose the F♯ inversion at fret 2 for a lower register.
B minor 6th is played at the 9th fret as 10 11 9 11: middle finger on the E string at fret 10, ring finger on the A string at fret 11, index finger on the D string at fret 9 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 11.
Tip — The wide stretch between the index on fret 9 and pinky on fret 11 taxes smaller hands.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 10 | 2 | D (♭3) |
| 3 (A) | 11 | 3 | G♯ (6) |
| 2 (D) | 9 | 1 | B (1) |
| 1 (G) | 11 | 4 | F♯ (5) |
B minor 6th is played in open position as 2 2 0 1: middle finger on the E string at fret 2, ring finger on the A string at fret 2 and index finger on the G string at fret 1. The D string rings open.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 2 | 2 | F♯ (5) |
| 3 (A) | 2 | 3 | B (1) |
| 2 (D) | open | — | D (♭3) |
| 1 (G) | 1 | 1 | G♯ (6) |
B minor 6th is played at the 12th fret as 14 14 12 13: ring finger on the E string at fret 14, pinky finger on the A string at fret 14, index finger on the D string at fret 12 and middle finger on the G string at fret 13.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 14 | 3 | F♯ (5) |
| 3 (A) | 14 | 4 | B (1) |
| 2 (D) | 12 | 1 | D (♭3) |
| 1 (G) | 13 | 2 | G♯ (6) |
B minor 6th is played at the 4th fret as 4 5 4 4: index finger on the E string at fret 4, pinky finger on the A string at fret 5, middle finger on the D string at fret 4 and ring finger on the G string at fret 4.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 4 | 1 | G♯ (6) |
| 3 (A) | 5 | 4 | D (♭3) |
| 2 (D) | 4 | 2 | F♯ (5) |
| 1 (G) | 4 | 3 | B (1) |
B minor 6th is written Bm6, min maj6, or Bmin6. It is also called Minor Major 6.
B minor 6th has G♯, while B minor 7th has A. 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 G♯ inversion puts the sixth in the bass, creating a first-inversion feel. It is less stable than the D inversion and works well as a passing chord.