Explore chords · Ukulele
E 6th chord on ukulele (E6)
Also called or written E6 or E
E 6th contains E, G♯, B and C♯. The 9th fret shape is a wide stretch, but an open inversion at the 1st fret offers relief.
How it is built
Formula 1, 3, 5, 6
How do you play an E 6th chord on ukulele?
E 6th is played at the 9th fret as 9 11 9 11: index finger on the G string at fret 9, ring finger on the C string at fret 11, 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 (1) |
| 3 (C) | 11 | 3 | B (5) |
| 2 (E) | 9 | 2 | C♯ (6) |
| 1 (A) | 11 | 4 | G♯ (3) |
AdvancedThe pinky must reach fret 11 on the A string while the index and middle hold fret 9, stretching the hand.
E6/C♯ inversion
E 6th is played in open position as 1 1 0 2: 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 2. The E string rings open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1 | 1 | G♯ (3) |
| 3 (C) | 1 | 2 | C♯ (6) |
| 2 (E) | open | — | E (1) |
| 1 (A) | 2 | 3 | B (5) |
4th fret
E 6th is played at the 4th fret as 4 4 4 4: barre your index finger across fret 4.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4 | 1 (barre) | B (5) |
| 3 (C) | 4 | 1 (barre) | E (1) |
| 2 (E) | 4 | 1 (barre) | G♯ (3) |
| 1 (A) | 4 | 1 (barre) | C♯ (6) |
E6/G♯ inversion
E 6th is played at the 6th fret as 6 8 7 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 7 and ring finger on the A string at fret 7.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6 | 1 | C♯ (6) |
| 3 (C) | 8 | 4 | G♯ (3) |
| 2 (E) | 7 | 2 | B (5) |
| 1 (A) | 7 | 3 | E (1) |
Why it sounds like that
E 6th is built from the major triad E–G♯–B plus the sixth, C♯. The sixth adds a warm, consonant colour to the major sound. Compare it with E major, which stops at the fifth and sounds more plain.
What goes wrong with E 6th?
- Letting the pinky flatten onto the C string, which deadens the G♯ note.
- Pressing too hard with the index, which can pull the G string sharp.
- Allowing the ring finger to touch the E string, muting the B.
When to use it
E 6th functions as the tonic in E major, fitting the I–IV–V–I progression E–A–B–E. It suits jazz, blues and pop ballads where a major triad needs extra warmth. Replace E major with it at phrase endings.
Changing to and from E 6th
- Sliding the shape down one fret to the 8th fret gives E♭ 6th.
- From E major, add the pinky on the A string at fret 11 and the ring on the C string at fret 11.
Which voicing to use
The 9th fret shape has E in the bass, giving a clear root position. The E6/G♯ inversion at the 1st fret places G♯ in the bass, which softens the chord and makes it easier to play. The E6/B inversion at the 4th fret has B in the bass, creating a brighter, more open sound.
Other E chords
Common questions
How is E 6th written?
E 6th is written as E6 or E. The root is E, and it is not enharmonically respelled.
What is the difference between E 6th and E major 7th?
E 6th adds the sixth, C♯, while E major 7th adds the seventh, D♯. The sixth is more consonant and less tense than the major seventh.
Can E 6th be used in a minor key?
Yes, E 6th can appear in C♯ natural minor as the III chord, but it is less common. It adds a major colour to the minor progression.
Why is the 1st fret inversion easier?
The 1st fret inversion uses open strings and frets near the nut, so the hand does not need to stretch. It also has G♯ in the bass, which is a softer sound.