Explore chords · Ukulele
C♯ minor 6th chord on ukulele (C♯m6)
Also called or written C♯m6, C♯min6, C♯min maj6 or C♯ Minor Major 6
C♯ minor 6th is built from C♯, E, G♯ and A♯. The 6th fret grip demands a wide stretch between the index and pinky, making it a challenge for small hands.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭3, 5, 6
How do you play a C♯ minor 6th chord on ukulele?
C♯ minor 6th is played at the 6th fret as 6 8 6 7: index finger on the G string at fret 6, pinky finger on the C string at fret 8, middle finger on the E string at fret 6 and ring finger on the A string at fret 7.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6 | 1 | C♯ (1) |
| 3 (C) | 8 | 4 | G♯ (5) |
| 2 (E) | 6 | 2 | A♯ (6) |
| 1 (A) | 7 | 3 | E (♭3) |
AdvancedThe pinky must reach fret 8 on the C string while the other fingers hold frets 6 and 7 cleanly.
C♯min6/A♯ inversion
C♯ minor 6th is played at the 9th fret as 9 10 9 11: index finger on the G string at fret 9, ring finger on the C string at fret 10, middle finger on the E string at fret 9 and pinky finger on the A string at fret 11.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9 | 1 | E (♭3) |
| 3 (C) | 10 | 3 | A♯ (6) |
| 2 (E) | 9 | 2 | C♯ (1) |
| 1 (A) | 11 | 4 | G♯ (5) |
Open
C♯ minor 6th is played in open position as 1 1 0 1: index finger on the G string at fret 1, middle finger on the C string at fret 1 and ring finger on the A string at fret 1. The E string rings open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1 | 1 | G♯ (5) |
| 3 (C) | 1 | 2 | C♯ (1) |
| 2 (E) | open | — | E (♭3) |
| 1 (A) | 1 | 3 | A♯ (6) |
C♯min6/E inversion
C♯ minor 6th is played at the 3rd fret as 3 4 4 4: index finger on the G string at fret 3, middle finger on the C string at fret 4, ring finger on the E string at fret 4 and pinky finger on the A string at fret 4.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 3 | 1 | A♯ (6) |
| 3 (C) | 4 | 2 | E (♭3) |
| 2 (E) | 4 | 3 | G♯ (5) |
| 1 (A) | 4 | 4 | C♯ (1) |
Why it sounds like that
C♯ minor 6th adds the major sixth A♯ to a C♯ minor triad, giving the formula 1, ♭3, 5, 6. The sixth interval creates a bittersweet color that distinguishes it from the plain minor triad.
What goes wrong with C♯ minor 6th?
- Letting the pinky flatten and deaden the A string.
- Pressing the index finger too hard, which can mute the E string.
- Striking the C string before the pinky is fully placed, causing a buzz.
When to use it
C♯ minor 6th works as a tonic in C♯ minor progressions, such as C♯m–F♯m–G♯7. It suits jazz, blues and ballads where a minor chord needs a brighter edge.
Changing to and from C♯ minor 6th
- Sliding the shape down one fret to the 5th fret gives C minor 6th.
- From C♯ minor, lift the pinky and add the ring finger on the A string at fret 7.
Which voicing to use
The 6th fret position has C♯ in the bass for a root-position sound. The C♯min6/E inversion at frets 9-10-9-11 puts E in the bass, softening the chord for passing moments.
Other C♯ chords
Common questions
How is C♯ minor 6th written?
C♯ minor 6th is written C♯m6, min maj6 or C♯min6. The ASCII root is C#, so it is often typed C#m6. It is also spelled D♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
Why does C♯ minor 6th sound brighter than C♯ minor?
The added major sixth A♯ creates a major-second clash with the fifth G♯, which adds sparkle. This interval is absent in the plain minor triad.
Can C♯ minor 6th be used as a dominant chord?
No, C♯ minor 6th is a tonic or subdominant color, not a dominant. Its minor third prevents it from resolving like a dominant seventh.