Also written E6 or E
E 6th is built from E, G♯, B, and C♯. The default voicing uses an open E string and a stretch to the 2nd fret, creating a ringing, bell-like tone.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
E 6th adds a major 6th to an E major triad, following the formula 1, 3, 5, 6. The major 6th from E to C♯ gives the chord its bright, jazzy character. Contrast it with E major, which stops at the perfect 5th.
E 6th functions as the I chord in E major, fitting progressions like E–A–B–E (I–IV–V–I). Its bright sixth suits rock, pop, and blues. Use it to add a shimmer to E major in a progression.
The E6/C♯ inversion at fret 1 puts C♯ in the bass and has a compact, tight sound. The 4th fret barre voicing puts E in the bass and offers a fuller, higher register. Choose based on the desired bass note and register.
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.
Tip — The ring finger must reach fret 2 on the A string while the index and middle hold fret 1, creating a stretch.
| 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) |
E 6th is played at the 4th fret as 4 4 4 4: barre your index finger across fret 4.
| 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) |
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.
| 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) |
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.
| 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) |
E 6th is written as E6 or E. The root is E.
E 6th contains a major 6th (C♯) instead of the major 7th (D♯) found in E major 7th. The 6th gives a warmer, less dissonant sound.
No, the open strings of the ukulele are G, C, E, A, which do not include G♯ or C♯ needed for E 6th. The default voicing requires fretting.
E 6th includes the open E string and the major 6th C♯, which create a ringing, resonant quality. The open string adds sustain and brightness.