A 6th chord on ukulele (A6)

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.