Also written Em6, Emin6 or Emin maj6
E minor 6th is built from E, G, B, and C♯. The 3-4-2-4 shape demands a wide stretch across the neck.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
E minor 6th uses the 1, ♭3, 5, 6 formula, adding C♯ to the E minor triad. The major sixth interval gives it a bright, unresolved color. Compare with E minor to hear the difference.
E minor 6th works as a tonic in E minor progressions, especially in jazz and blues. Try it in a i–iv–v with E minor and B minor. It also suits dorian grooves.
The G inversion at fret 3 puts the ♭3 in the bass, softening the chord. The C♯ inversion at fret 9 gives a brighter, more open sound. Choose the B inversion at fret 7 for a middle register.
E minor 6th is played at the 2nd fret as 3 4 2 4: middle finger on the E string at fret 3, ring finger on the A string at fret 4, index finger on the D string at fret 2 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 4.
Tip — The wide stretch between the index on fret 2 and pinky on fret 4 taxes smaller hands.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 3 | 2 | G (♭3) |
| 3 (A) | 4 | 3 | C♯ (6) |
| 2 (D) | 2 | 1 | E (1) |
| 1 (G) | 4 | 4 | B (5) |
E minor 6th is played at the 5th fret as 7 7 5 6: ring finger on the E string at fret 7, pinky finger on the A string at fret 7, index finger on the D string at fret 5 and middle finger on the G string at fret 6.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7 | 3 | B (5) |
| 3 (A) | 7 | 4 | E (1) |
| 2 (D) | 5 | 1 | G (♭3) |
| 1 (G) | 6 | 2 | C♯ (6) |
E minor 6th is played at the 9th fret as 9 10 9 9: index finger on the E string at fret 9, pinky finger on the A string at fret 10, middle finger on the D string at fret 9 and ring finger on the G string at fret 9.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 9 | 1 | C♯ (6) |
| 3 (A) | 10 | 4 | G (♭3) |
| 2 (D) | 9 | 2 | B (5) |
| 1 (G) | 9 | 3 | E (1) |
E minor 6th is written Em6, min maj6, or Emin6. It is also called Minor Major 6.
E minor 6th has C♯, while E minor 7th has D. 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 C♯ inversion puts the sixth in the bass, creating a first-inversion feel. It is less stable than the G inversion and works well as a passing chord.