Explore chords · Ukulele
B minor 6th chord on ukulele (Bm6)
Also called or written Bm6, Bmin6, Bmin maj6 or B Minor Major 6
B minor 6th contains B, D, F♯, and G♯. The 4th fret grip raises the A minor 6th shape by two frets, pushing the pinky to the 6th fret.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭3, 5, 6
- Root positionB–D–F♯–G♯Bm611-11-10-11
- First inversionD–F♯–G♯–BBm6/D1-2-2-2
- Second inversionF♯–G♯–B–DBm6/F♯4-6-4-5
- Third inversionG♯–B–D–F♯Bm6/G♯7-8-7-9
How do you play a B minor 6th chord on ukulele?
B minor 6th is played at the 4th fret as 4 6 4 5: index finger on the G string at fret 4, pinky finger on the C string at fret 6, middle finger on the E string at fret 4 and ring finger on the A string at fret 5.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4 | 1 | B (1) |
| 3 (C) | 6 | 4 | F♯ (5) |
| 2 (E) | 4 | 2 | G♯ (6) |
| 1 (A) | 5 | 3 | D (♭3) |
AdvancedThe pinky stretches to the 6th fret on the C string while the index and middle hold the 4th fret, requiring a wide reach.
Bmin6/G♯ inversion
B minor 6th is played at the 7th fret as 7 8 7 9: index finger on the G string at fret 7, ring finger on the C string at fret 8, middle finger on the E string at fret 7 and pinky finger on the A string at fret 9.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7 | 1 | D (♭3) |
| 3 (C) | 8 | 3 | G♯ (6) |
| 2 (E) | 7 | 2 | B (1) |
| 1 (A) | 9 | 4 | F♯ (5) |
10th fret
B minor 6th is played at the 10th fret as 11 11 10 11: middle finger on the G string at fret 11, ring finger on the C string at fret 11, index finger on the E string at fret 10 and pinky finger on the A string at fret 11.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 11 | 2 | F♯ (5) |
| 3 (C) | 11 | 3 | B (1) |
| 2 (E) | 10 | 1 | D (♭3) |
| 1 (A) | 11 | 4 | G♯ (6) |
Bmin6/D inversion
B minor 6th is played at the 1st fret as 1 2 2 2: index finger on the G string at fret 1, middle finger on the C string at fret 2, ring finger on the E string at fret 2 and pinky finger on the A string at fret 2.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1 | 1 | G♯ (6) |
| 3 (C) | 2 | 2 | D (♭3) |
| 2 (E) | 2 | 3 | F♯ (5) |
| 1 (A) | 2 | 4 | B (1) |
Why it sounds like that
B minor 6th is built from the formula 1, ♭3, 5, 6. The major 6th from B to G♯ gives the chord its bright edge. Compare B minor, which omits the 6th.
What goes wrong with B minor 6th?
- Letting the pinky mute the E string.
- Pressing the index finger too hard, which sharpens the G string.
- Failing to keep the ring finger clear of the C string.
When to use it
B minor 6th acts as a tonic in B minor and colours B minor and B 5th chords. It fits jazz and minor-key rock.
Changing to and from B minor 6th
- Sliding the shape down two frets to the 2nd fret gives A minor 6th.
- From B minor, add the ring finger on the A string, 5th fret.
Which voicing to use
The 4th fret position keeps B in the bass and suits closed-position playing. The Bmin6/D inversion at the 7th fret moves the bass to D, giving a warmer sound.
Other B chords
Common questions
How is B minor 6th written?
B minor 6th is written Bm6, min maj6, or Bmin6.
What is the difference between B minor 6th and B minor 7th?
B minor 6th has a major 6th (G♯), while B minor 7th has a minor 7th (A). The 6th gives a brighter colour.
Can B minor 6th be played with open strings?
Yes, the Bmin6/G♯ inversion at the 1st fret uses open strings, but the default 4th fret position has no open strings.