Also written Em6, Emin6 or Emin maj6
E minor 6th contains E, G, B, and C♯. The default voicing at the 1st fret uses two open strings and a wide reach.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
E minor 6th is built from the formula 1, ♭3, 5, 6, adding a major 6th to the minor triad. The major 6th interval from E to C♯ gives the chord its characteristic lift. The ♭3 and 6 are a diminished 5th apart, creating a tritone that adds tension. Compare with E minor to hear the added 6th.
E minor 6th works as a tonic in E minor, especially in progressions like E minor–A minor–B minor. It also fits over E minor and E 5th chords for a dorian flavor. Use it in jazz, blues, and rock contexts where a minor chord needs a brighter edge.
The 1st fret voicing puts the 6th, C♯, in the bass, creating a bright, inverted sound. For a root-position E minor 6th, use the 3rd fret shape with E in the bass. The open voicing is easier to grab but has a thinner tone.
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.
Tip — The middle finger must reach the 2nd fret on the A string while the index stays at the 1st fret on the C string.
| 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) |
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.
| 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) |
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.
| 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) |
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.
| 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) |
E minor 6th is played in open position as 0 4 7 4: index finger on the C string at fret 4, ring finger on the E string at fret 7 and middle finger on the A string at fret 4. The G string rings open.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | open | — | G (♭3) |
| 3 (C) | 4 | 1 | E (1) |
| 2 (E) | 7 | 3 | B (5) |
| 1 (A) | 4 | 2 | C♯ (6) |
E minor 6th is written as Em6, E min maj6, or Emin6.
E minor 6th has a major 6th (C♯), while E minor 7th has a minor 7th (D). The 6th gives a brighter, more melodic quality than the 7th.
Yes, E minor 6th can appear as the ii chord in D major or the vi chord in G major. It adds color without leaving the key.