Explore chords · Ukulele
E minor 6th chord on ukulele (Em6)
Also called or written Em6, Emin6, Emin maj6 or E Minor Major 6
E minor 6th contains E, G, B, and C♯. The 9th fret grip shifts the A minor 6th shape up seven frets, with the pinky at the 11th fret.
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 9th fret as 9 11 9 10: index finger on the G string at fret 9, pinky finger on the C string at fret 11, middle finger on the E string at fret 9 and ring finger on the A string at fret 10.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9 | 1 | E (1) |
| 3 (C) | 11 | 4 | B (5) |
| 2 (E) | 9 | 2 | C♯ (6) |
| 1 (A) | 10 | 3 | G (♭3) |
AdvancedThe pinky stretches to the 11th fret on the C string while the index and middle hold the 9th fret, requiring a wide reach.
Emin6/C♯ inversion
E minor 6th is played in open position as 0 1 0 2: index finger on the C string at fret 1 and middle finger on the A string at fret 2. The G and E strings ring open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | open | — | G (♭3) |
| 3 (C) | 1 | 1 | C♯ (6) |
| 2 (E) | open | — | E (1) |
| 1 (A) | 2 | 2 | B (5) |
3rd fret
E minor 6th is played at the 3rd fret as 4 4 3 4: middle finger on the G string at fret 4, ring finger on the C string at fret 4, index finger on the E string at fret 3 and pinky finger on the A string at fret 4.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4 | 2 | B (5) |
| 3 (C) | 4 | 3 | E (1) |
| 2 (E) | 3 | 1 | G (♭3) |
| 1 (A) | 4 | 4 | C♯ (6) |
Emin6/G inversion
E minor 6th is played at the 6th fret as 6 7 7 7: index finger on the G string at fret 6, middle finger on the C string at fret 7, ring finger on the E string at fret 7 and pinky 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) | 7 | 2 | G (♭3) |
| 2 (E) | 7 | 3 | B (5) |
| 1 (A) | 7 | 4 | E (1) |
Why it sounds like that
E minor 6th is built from the formula 1, ♭3, 5, 6. The major 6th from E to C♯ gives the chord its bright edge. Compare E minor, which omits the 6th.
What goes wrong with E 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
E minor 6th acts as a tonic in E minor and colours E minor and E 5th chords. It fits jazz and minor-key rock.
Changing to and from E minor 6th
- Sliding the shape down two frets to the 7th fret gives D minor 6th.
- From E minor, add the ring finger on the A string, 10th fret.
Which voicing to use
The 9th fret position keeps E in the bass and suits closed-position playing. The Emin6/G inversion at the 1st fret places G in the bass, giving a lighter, open-string sound.
Other E chords
Common questions
How is E minor 6th written?
E minor 6th is written Em6, min maj6, or Emin6.
What is the difference between E minor 6th and E minor 7th?
E minor 6th has a major 6th (C♯), while E minor 7th has a minor 7th (D). The 6th gives a brighter colour.
Can E minor 6th be played with open strings?
Yes, the Emin6/G inversion at the 1st fret uses open G and E strings, but the default 9th fret position has no open strings.