Explore chords · Ukulele
A minor 6th chord on ukulele (Am6)
Also called or written Am6, Amin6, Amin maj6 or A Minor Major 6
A minor 6th contains A, C, E, and F♯. The 2nd fret grip stretches the pinky to the C string while the index and middle share the 2nd fret.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭3, 5, 6
- Root positionA–C–E–F♯Am69-9-8-9
- First inversionC–E–F♯–AAm6/C11-12-12-12
- Second inversionE–F♯–A–CAm6/E2-4-2-3
- Third inversionF♯–A–C–EAm6/F♯5-6-5-7
How do you play an A minor 6th chord on ukulele?
A minor 6th is played at the 2nd fret as 2 4 2 3: index finger on the G string at fret 2, pinky finger on the C string at fret 4, middle finger on the E string at fret 2 and ring finger on the A string at fret 3.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2 | 1 | A (1) |
| 3 (C) | 4 | 4 | E (5) |
| 2 (E) | 2 | 2 | F♯ (6) |
| 1 (A) | 3 | 3 | C (♭3) |
AdvancedThe pinky reaches to the 4th fret on the C string while the index and middle hold the 2nd fret, demanding a wide stretch.
Amin6/F♯ inversion
A minor 6th is played at the 5th fret as 5 6 5 7: index finger on the G string at fret 5, ring finger on the C string at fret 6, middle 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) | 5 | 1 | C (♭3) |
| 3 (C) | 6 | 3 | F♯ (6) |
| 2 (E) | 5 | 2 | A (1) |
| 1 (A) | 7 | 4 | E (5) |
8th fret
A minor 6th is played at the 8th fret as 9 9 8 9: middle finger on the G string at fret 9, ring finger on the C string at fret 9, index finger on the E string at fret 8 and pinky finger on the A string at fret 9.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9 | 2 | E (5) |
| 3 (C) | 9 | 3 | A (1) |
| 2 (E) | 8 | 1 | C (♭3) |
| 1 (A) | 9 | 4 | F♯ (6) |
Amin6/C inversion
A minor 6th is played at the 11th fret as 11 12 12 12: index finger on the G string at fret 11, middle finger on the C string at fret 12, ring finger on the E string at fret 12 and pinky finger on the A string at fret 12.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 11 | 1 | F♯ (6) |
| 3 (C) | 12 | 2 | C (♭3) |
| 2 (E) | 12 | 3 | E (5) |
| 1 (A) | 12 | 4 | A (1) |
Why it sounds like that
A minor 6th is built from the formula 1, ♭3, 5, 6. The major 6th from A to F♯ gives the chord its bright, unresolved colour. Compare A minor, which omits the 6th.
What goes wrong with A minor 6th?
- Letting the pinky flatten and mute the E string.
- Pressing the index finger too hard, which pulls the G string sharp.
- Striking the open G string when sliding from the 1st fret position.
When to use it
A minor 6th works as a tonic in A minor progressions and adds colour to A minor and A 5th chords. Use it in jazz, blues, and folk lines where the 6th softens the minor sound.
Changing to and from A minor 6th
- Sliding the shape down one fret to the 1st fret gives A♭ minor 6th.
- From A minor, lift the pinky and add the ring finger on the A string, 3rd fret.
Which voicing to use
The 2nd fret position keeps A in the bass and suits open-string passages. The Amin6/C inversion at the 5th fret moves the bass to C, giving a darker, more anchored sound.
Other A chords
Common questions
How is A minor 6th written?
A minor 6th is written Am6, min maj6, or Amin6.
What is the difference between A minor 6th and A minor 7th?
A minor 6th has a major 6th (F♯), while A minor 7th has a minor 7th (G). The 6th gives a brighter, more melodic colour than the 7th.
Can A minor 6th be used as a passing chord?
Yes, A minor 6th often passes between A minor and B minor, with the F♯ leading upward to the G in B minor.