Explore chords · Ukulele
E♭ minor 6th chord on ukulele (E♭m6)
Also called or written E♭m6, E♭min6, E♭min maj6 or E♭ Minor Major 6
E♭ minor 6th is built from E♭, G♭, B♭ and C. The 8th 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 an E♭ minor 6th chord on ukulele?
E♭ minor 6th is played at the 8th fret as 8 10 8 9: index finger on the G string at fret 8, pinky finger on the C string at fret 10, middle finger on the E string at fret 8 and ring finger on the A string at fret 9.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 8 | 1 | E♭ (1) |
| 3 (C) | 10 | 4 | B♭ (5) |
| 2 (E) | 8 | 2 | C (6) |
| 1 (A) | 9 | 3 | G♭ (♭3) |
AdvancedThe pinky must reach fret 10 on the C string while the other fingers hold frets 8 and 9 cleanly.
2nd fret
E♭ minor 6th is played at the 2nd fret as 3 3 2 3: middle finger on the G string at fret 3, ring finger on the C string at fret 3, index finger on the E string at fret 2 and pinky finger on the A string at fret 3.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 3 | 2 | B♭ (5) |
| 3 (C) | 3 | 3 | E♭ (1) |
| 2 (E) | 2 | 1 | G♭ (♭3) |
| 1 (A) | 3 | 4 | C (6) |
E♭min6/G♭ inversion
E♭ minor 6th is played at the 5th fret as 5 6 6 6: index finger on the G string at fret 5, middle finger on the C string at fret 6, ring finger on the E string at fret 6 and pinky finger on the A string at fret 6.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 5 | 1 | C (6) |
| 3 (C) | 6 | 2 | G♭ (♭3) |
| 2 (E) | 6 | 3 | B♭ (5) |
| 1 (A) | 6 | 4 | E♭ (1) |
Why it sounds like that
E♭ minor 6th adds the major sixth C to an E♭ 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 E♭ 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
E♭ minor 6th works as a tonic in E♭ minor progressions, such as E♭m–A♭m–B♭7. It suits jazz, blues and ballads where a minor chord needs a brighter edge.
Changing to and from E♭ minor 6th
- Sliding the shape down one fret to the 7th fret gives D minor 6th.
- From E♭ minor, lift the pinky and add the ring finger on the A string at fret 9.
Which voicing to use
The 8th fret position has E♭ in the bass for a root-position sound. The E♭min6/B♭ inversion at frets 3-3-2-3 puts B♭ in the bass, softening the chord for passing moments.
Other E♭ chords
Common questions
How is E♭ minor 6th written?
E♭ minor 6th is written E♭m6, min maj6 or E♭min6. The ASCII root is Eb, so it is often typed Ebm6. It is also spelled D♯ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
Why does E♭ minor 6th sound brighter than E♭ minor?
The added major sixth C creates a major-second clash with the fifth B♭, which adds sparkle. This interval is absent in the plain minor triad.
Can E♭ minor 6th be used as a dominant chord?
No, E♭ minor 6th is a tonic or subdominant color, not a dominant. Its minor third prevents it from resolving like a dominant seventh.