F♯ 6th chord on ukulele (F♯6)

Why it sounds like that

F♯ 6th is built from the major triad F♯–A♯–C♯ plus the sixth, D♯. The sixth adds a warm, consonant colour to the major sound. Compare it with F♯ major, which stops at the fifth and sounds more plain.

What goes wrong with F♯ 6th?

• Letting the pinky flatten onto the C string, which deadens the A♯ note.
• Pressing too hard with the index, which can pull the E string sharp.
• Allowing the ring finger to touch the E string, muting the C♯.

When to use it

F♯ 6th functions as the tonic in F♯ major, fitting the I–IV–V–I progression F♯–B–C♯–F♯. It suits jazz, blues and pop ballads where a major triad needs extra warmth. Replace F♯ major with it at phrase endings.

Changing to and from F♯ 6th

• Sliding the shape up one fret to the 3rd fret gives G 6th.
• From F♯ major, add the pinky on the A string at fret 4 and the index on the E string at fret 2.

Which voicing to use

The default shape is the F♯6/A♯ inversion, with A♯ in the bass, giving a lighter, more open sound. The F♯6/C♯ inversion at the 6th fret is a full barre with C♯ in the bass, useful for a smoother, higher voicing. The F♯6/D♯ inversion at the 8th fret has D♯ in the bass, creating a brighter, more open sound.