Also written Gm6, Gmin6 or Gmin maj6
G minor 6th is built from G, B♭, D, and E. The 6-7-5-7 shape demands a wide stretch across the neck.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tip — The wide stretch between the index on fret 5 and pinky on fret 7 taxes smaller hands.
| 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) |
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.
| 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) |
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.
| 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) |
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.
| 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) |
G minor 6th is written Gm6, min maj6, or Gmin6. It is also called Minor Major 6.
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.
The supplied positions do not use a barre. The finger plan assigns one finger per string. A barre would make the stretch harder.
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.