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C♯ minor 6th chord on bass (C♯m6)
Also called or written C♯m6, C♯min6, C♯min maj6 or C♯ Minor Major 6
C♯ minor 6th is built from C♯, E, G♯, and A♯. The 12-13-11-13 shape demands a wide stretch across the neck.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭3, 5, 6
- Root positionC♯–E–G♯–A♯C♯m6no shape on this instrument
- First inversionE–G♯–A♯–C♯C♯m6/E12-13-11-13
- Second inversionG♯–A♯–C♯–EC♯m6/G♯4-4-2-3
- Third inversionA♯–C♯–E–G♯C♯m6/A♯6-7-6-6
How do you play a C♯ minor 6th chord on bass?
C♯ minor 6th is played at the 11th fret as 12 13 11 13: middle finger on the E string at fret 12, ring finger on the A string at fret 13, index finger on the D string at fret 11 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 13.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 12 | 2 | E (♭3) |
| 3 (A) | 13 | 3 | A♯ (6) |
| 2 (D) | 11 | 1 | C♯ (1) |
| 1 (G) | 13 | 4 | G♯ (5) |
AdvancedThe wide stretch between the index on fret 11 and pinky on fret 13 taxes smaller hands.
C♯min6/G♯ inversion
C♯ minor 6th is played at the 2nd fret as 4 4 2 3: ring finger on the E string at fret 4, pinky finger on the A string at fret 4, index finger on the D string at fret 2 and middle finger on the G string at fret 3.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 4 | 3 | G♯ (5) |
| 3 (A) | 4 | 4 | C♯ (1) |
| 2 (D) | 2 | 1 | E (♭3) |
| 1 (G) | 3 | 2 | A♯ (6) |
C♯min6/A♯ inversion
C♯ minor 6th is played at the 6th fret as 6 7 6 6: index finger on the E string at fret 6, pinky finger on the A string at fret 7, middle finger on the D string at fret 6 and ring finger on the G string at fret 6.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 6 | 1 | A♯ (6) |
| 3 (A) | 7 | 4 | E (♭3) |
| 2 (D) | 6 | 2 | G♯ (5) |
| 1 (G) | 6 | 3 | C♯ (1) |
Why it sounds like that
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.
What goes wrong with C♯ minor 6th?
- Letting the index finger collapse and buzz the 2nd string.
- Allowing the pinky to touch the 1st string, deadening the A♯.
- Strumming the open 5th string, which adds an unwanted C♯.
When to use it
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.
Changing to and from C♯ minor 6th
- Sliding the shape down two frets to the 11th fret gives B minor 6th.
- Sliding the shape down one fret to the 10th fret gives C minor 6th.
Which voicing to use
The E inversion at fret 12 puts the ♭3 in the bass, softening the chord. The A♯ inversion at fret 6 gives a brighter, more open sound. Choose the G♯ inversion at fret 4 for a lower register.
Other C♯ chords
Common questions
How is C♯ minor 6th written?
C♯ minor 6th is written C♯m6, min maj6, or C♯min6. The root is C♯, also written C#. It is also called Minor Major 6. It is also spelled D♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
What is the difference between C♯ minor 6th and C♯ minor 7th?
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.
Can I play C♯ 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 A♯ inversion sound different?
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.