Also written F♯m6, F♯min6 or F♯min maj6
F♯ minor 6th is built from F♯, A, C♯, and D♯. The 5-6-4-6 shape requires precise finger independence.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
F♯ minor 6th uses the 1, ♭3, 5, 6 formula, adding D♯ to the F♯ minor triad. The major sixth interval gives it a bright, unresolved color. Compare with F♯ minor to hear the difference.
F♯ minor 6th works as a tonic in F♯ minor progressions, especially in jazz and blues. Try it in a i–iv–v with F♯ minor and C♯ minor. It also suits dorian grooves.
The A inversion at fret 5 puts the ♭3 in the bass, softening the chord. The D♯ inversion at fret 11 gives a brighter, more open sound. Choose the C♯ inversion at fret 9 for a middle register.
F♯ minor 6th is played at the 4th fret as 5 6 4 6: middle finger on the E string at fret 5, ring finger on the A string at fret 6, index finger on the D string at fret 4 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 6.
Tip — The wide stretch between the index on fret 4 and pinky on fret 6 taxes smaller hands.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5 | 2 | A (♭3) |
| 3 (A) | 6 | 3 | D♯ (6) |
| 2 (D) | 4 | 1 | F♯ (1) |
| 1 (G) | 6 | 4 | C♯ (5) |
F♯ minor 6th is played at the 7th fret as 9 9 7 8: ring finger on the E string at fret 9, pinky finger on the A string at fret 9, index finger on the D string at fret 7 and middle finger on the G string at fret 8.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 9 | 3 | C♯ (5) |
| 3 (A) | 9 | 4 | F♯ (1) |
| 2 (D) | 7 | 1 | A (♭3) |
| 1 (G) | 8 | 2 | D♯ (6) |
F♯ minor 6th is played at the 11th fret as 11 12 11 11: index finger on the E string at fret 11, pinky finger on the A string at fret 12, middle finger on the D string at fret 11 and ring finger on the G string at fret 11.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 11 | 1 | D♯ (6) |
| 3 (A) | 12 | 4 | A (♭3) |
| 2 (D) | 11 | 2 | C♯ (5) |
| 1 (G) | 11 | 3 | F♯ (1) |
F♯ minor 6th is written F♯m6, min maj6, or F♯min6. The root is F♯, also written F#. It is also called Minor Major 6. It is also spelled G♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
F♯ minor 6th has D♯, while F♯ minor 7th has E. 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 D♯ inversion puts the sixth in the bass, creating a first-inversion feel. It is less stable than the A inversion and works well as a passing chord.