Explore chords · Bass
G minor 6th chord on bass (Gm6)
Also called or written Gm6, Gmin6, Gmin maj6 or G Minor Major 6
G minor 6th is built from G, B♭, D, and E. The 6-7-5-7 shape demands a wide stretch across the neck.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭3, 5, 6
How do you play a G minor 6th chord on bass?
G minor 6th is played at the 5th fret as 6 7 5 7: middle finger on the E string at fret 6, ring finger on the A string at fret 7, index finger on the D string at fret 5 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 7.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 6 | 2 | B♭ (♭3) |
| 3 (A) | 7 | 3 | E (6) |
| 2 (D) | 5 | 1 | G (1) |
| 1 (G) | 7 | 4 | D (5) |
AdvancedThe wide stretch between the index on fret 5 and pinky on fret 7 taxes smaller hands.
Gmin6/D inversion
G minor 6th is played at the 8th fret as 10 10 8 9: ring finger on the E string at fret 10, pinky finger on the A string at fret 10, index finger on the D string at fret 8 and middle finger on the G string at fret 9.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 10 | 3 | D (5) |
| 3 (A) | 10 | 4 | G (1) |
| 2 (D) | 8 | 1 | B♭ (♭3) |
| 1 (G) | 9 | 2 | E (6) |
Gmin6/E inversion · open position
G minor 6th is played in open position as 0 1 0 0: index finger on the A string at fret 1. The E, D and G strings ring open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | open | — | E (6) |
| 3 (A) | 1 | 1 | B♭ (♭3) |
| 2 (D) | open | — | D (5) |
| 1 (G) | open | — | G (1) |
Gmin6/E inversion · fret 12
G minor 6th is played at the 12th fret as 12 13 12 12: index finger on the E string at fret 12, pinky finger on the A string at fret 13, middle finger on the D string at fret 12 and ring finger on the G string at fret 12.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 12 | 1 | E (6) |
| 3 (A) | 13 | 4 | B♭ (♭3) |
| 2 (D) | 12 | 2 | D (5) |
| 1 (G) | 12 | 3 | G (1) |
Why it sounds like that
G minor 6th uses the 1, ♭3, 5, 6 formula, adding E to the G minor triad. The major sixth interval gives it a bright, unresolved color. Compare with G minor to hear the difference.
What goes wrong with G minor 6th?
- Letting the index finger collapse and buzz the 2nd string.
- Allowing the pinky to touch the 1st string, deadening the E.
- Strumming the open 5th string, which adds an unwanted G.
When to use it
G minor 6th works as a tonic in G minor progressions, especially in jazz and blues. Try it in a i–iv–v with G minor and D minor. It also suits dorian grooves.
Changing to and from G minor 6th
- Sliding the shape down two frets to the 5th fret gives F minor 6th.
- Sliding the shape up one fret to the 6th fret gives A♭ minor 6th.
Which voicing to use
The B♭ inversion at fret 6 puts the ♭3 in the bass, softening the chord. The E inversion at fret 0 gives a brighter, more open sound. Choose the D inversion at fret 10 for a middle register.
Other G chords
Common questions
How is G minor 6th written?
G minor 6th is written Gm6, min maj6, or Gmin6. It is also called Minor Major 6.
What is the difference between G minor 6th and G minor 7th?
G minor 6th has E, while G minor 7th has F. The sixth creates a brighter, more melodic tension than the seventh. Use minor 6th for a dorian or melodic minor sound.
Can I play G 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 E inversion sound different?
The E inversion puts the sixth in the bass, creating a first-inversion feel. It is less stable than the B♭ inversion and works well as a passing chord.