Explore chords · Ukulele
A 6th chord on ukulele (A6)
Also called or written A6 or A
A 6th contains A, C♯, E, and F♯. The 2nd fret voicing stretches all four fingers across the strings, making it a demanding grip for smaller hands.
How it is built
Formula 1, 3, 5, 6
How do you play an A 6th chord on ukulele?
A 6th is played at the 2nd fret as 2 4 2 4: index finger on the G string at fret 2, ring finger on the C string at fret 4, middle finger on the E string at fret 2 and pinky finger on the A string at fret 4.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2 | 1 | A (1) |
| 3 (C) | 4 | 3 | E (5) |
| 2 (E) | 2 | 2 | F♯ (6) |
| 1 (A) | 4 | 4 | C♯ (3) |
AdvancedThe 2nd fret voicing requires a wide stretch between the index finger on fret 2 and the pinky on fret 4 across the fretboard.
A6/F♯ inversion
A 6th is played at the 5th fret as 6 6 5 7: middle finger on the G string at fret 6, ring finger on the C string at fret 6, index finger on the E string at fret 5 and pinky finger on the A string at fret 7.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6 | 2 | C♯ (3) |
| 3 (C) | 6 | 3 | F♯ (6) |
| 2 (E) | 5 | 1 | A (1) |
| 1 (A) | 7 | 4 | E (5) |
9th fret
A 6th is played at the 9th fret as 9 9 9 9: barre your index finger across fret 9.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9 | 1 (barre) | E (5) |
| 3 (C) | 9 | 1 (barre) | A (1) |
| 2 (E) | 9 | 1 (barre) | C♯ (3) |
| 1 (A) | 9 | 1 (barre) | F♯ (6) |
Why it sounds like that
A 6th is built from the 1, 3, 5, and 6 of the A major scale. The major 6th interval between A and F♯ gives the chord its warm, unresolved color. Compared to A major, the added F♯ softens the tonic's finality.
What goes wrong with A 6th?
- Letting the pinky collapse and mute the A string at fret 4.
- Allowing the ring finger to touch the E string, dulling its sound.
- Strumming with too much force and rattling the high frets.
When to use it
A 6th works as the I chord in A major progressions like I–IV–V–I (A–D–E–A). It also suits the I–V–vi–IV progression (A–E–F♯m–D), adding a jazzy lift to pop and swing feels. Use it to replace A major when you want a brighter, less resolved ending.
Changing to and from A 6th
- Sliding the A 6th shape down one fret to the 1st fret gives A♭ 6th.
- From A major, lift the pinky off the A string and place it on fret 4 to add the 6th.
Which voicing to use
The 2nd fret voicing keeps A in the bass, giving a root-position sound. The A6/C♯ inversion at frets 6-6-5-7 puts C♯ in the bass, creating a lighter, more open texture. The A6/E inversion at fret 9 has E in the bass and a full barre, making it the most powerful voicing.
Other A chords
Common questions
How is A 6th written?
A 6th is written as A6 or simply A.
What is the difference between A 6th and A major 7th?
A 6th contains the major 6th interval (F♯), while A major 7th contains the major 7th (G♯). The 6th gives a warmer, more consonant sound than the 7th.
Can A 6th be used in a minor key?
Yes, A 6th appears in the key of B natural minor as the ♭VII chord. It also fits F♯ natural minor as the ♭III chord.