C♯ 6th chord on bass (C♯6)

Why it sounds like that

C♯ 6th is a major triad with an added major 6th: 1, 3, 5, 6. The major 6th from C♯ to A♯ gives the chord its warm, open colour. Compare it to C♯ major, which omits the 6th and sounds plainer.

What goes wrong with C♯ 6th?

• Letting the index finger collapse onto the A string, which mutes the E♯.
• Pressing the pinky too far from the fret, causing the A♯ to buzz.
• Strumming the open E string, which is not part of C♯ 6th.

When to use it

C♯ 6th works as the tonic in C♯ major, especially in the I–IV–V–I progression C♯–F♯–G♯–C♯. C♯ 6th suits bright pop, country, and swing lines where the added 6th softens the major sound. Try C♯ 6th over C♯ major or C♯ 5th.

Changing to and from C♯ 6th

• Sliding the shape down two frets to the 11th fret gives B 6th.
• Move to F♯ major by shifting the index finger to the 9th fret on the A string while keeping the other fingers in place.

Which voicing to use

The C♯6/F inversion puts the third in the bass, giving a smooth, melodic start. The C♯6/A♭ inversion has the fifth in the bass and sounds more grounded, while the C♯6/B♭ inversion places the sixth in the bass for a lighter colour.