Also written Cm6, Cmin6 or Cmin maj6
C minor 6th is built from C, E♭, G, and A. The 11-12-10-12 shape requires precise finger independence.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
C minor 6th uses the 1, ♭3, 5, 6 formula, adding A to the C minor triad. The major sixth interval gives it a bright, unresolved color. Compare with C minor to hear the difference.
C minor 6th works as a tonic in C minor progressions, especially in jazz and blues. Try it in a i–iv–v with C minor and G minor. It also suits dorian grooves.
The E♭ inversion at fret 11 puts the ♭3 in the bass, softening the chord. The A inversion at fret 5 gives a brighter, more open sound. Choose the G inversion at fret 3 for a lower register.
C minor 6th is played at the 10th fret as 11 12 10 12: middle finger on the E string at fret 11, ring finger on the A string at fret 12, index finger on the D string at fret 10 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 12.
Tip — The wide stretch between the index on fret 10 and pinky on fret 12 taxes smaller hands.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 11 | 2 | E♭ (♭3) |
| 3 (A) | 12 | 3 | A (6) |
| 2 (D) | 10 | 1 | C (1) |
| 1 (G) | 12 | 4 | G (5) |
C minor 6th is played at the 1st fret as 3 3 1 2: ring finger on the E string at fret 3, pinky finger on the A string at fret 3, index finger on the D string at fret 1 and middle finger on the G string at fret 2.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 3 | 3 | G (5) |
| 3 (A) | 3 | 4 | C (1) |
| 2 (D) | 1 | 1 | E♭ (♭3) |
| 1 (G) | 2 | 2 | A (6) |
C minor 6th is played at the 13th fret as 15 15 13 14: ring finger on the E string at fret 15, pinky finger on the A string at fret 15, index finger on the D string at fret 13 and middle finger on the G string at fret 14.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 15 | 3 | G (5) |
| 3 (A) | 15 | 4 | C (1) |
| 2 (D) | 13 | 1 | E♭ (♭3) |
| 1 (G) | 14 | 2 | A (6) |
C minor 6th is played at the 5th fret as 5 6 5 5: index finger on the E string at fret 5, pinky finger on the A string at fret 6, middle finger on the D string at fret 5 and ring finger on the G string at fret 5.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5 | 1 | A (6) |
| 3 (A) | 6 | 4 | E♭ (♭3) |
| 2 (D) | 5 | 2 | G (5) |
| 1 (G) | 5 | 3 | C (1) |
C minor 6th is written Cm6, min maj6, or Cmin6. It is also called Minor Major 6.
C minor 6th has A, while C minor 7th has B♭. 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 A inversion puts the sixth in the bass, creating a first-inversion feel. It is less stable than the E♭ inversion and works well as a passing chord.