Also written G6 or G
G 6th contains G, B, D, and E. The open G and E strings give this advanced shape a bright, ringing character.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
G 6th is built from 1, 3, 5, 6, adding a major 6th to a major triad. The major 6th interval between G and E gives the chord its sweet, open quality. Compare it to G major, which stops at the perfect 5th.
G 6th works as the I chord in G major, especially in I–IV–V–I with G major, C major, and D major. Its bright, ringing quality suits folk, country, and upbeat pop.
The G6/D inversion keeps D in the bass for a light, open sound; the G6/E inversion puts E in the bass for a brighter, higher sound. The 7th fret barre gives the root position with G in the bass.
G 6th is played in open position as 0 2 0 2: index finger on the C string at fret 2 and middle finger on the A string at fret 2. The G and E strings ring open.
Tip — The index and middle fingers must fret adjacent strings at fret 2 while the open G and E strings ring, demanding precise arching to avoid muting them.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | open | — | G (1) |
| 3 (C) | 2 | 1 | D (5) |
| 2 (E) | open | — | E (6) |
| 1 (A) | 2 | 2 | B (3) |
G 6th is played at the 3rd fret as 4 4 3 5: 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 5.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4 | 2 | B (3) |
| 3 (C) | 4 | 3 | E (6) |
| 2 (E) | 3 | 1 | G (1) |
| 1 (A) | 5 | 4 | D (5) |
G 6th is played at the 7th fret as 7 7 7 7: barre your index finger across fret 7.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7 | 1 (barre) | D (5) |
| 3 (C) | 7 | 1 (barre) | G (1) |
| 2 (E) | 7 | 1 (barre) | B (3) |
| 1 (A) | 7 | 1 (barre) | E (6) |
G 6th is played at the 9th fret as 9 11 10 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 10 and ring finger on the A string at fret 10.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9 | 1 | E (6) |
| 3 (C) | 11 | 4 | B (3) |
| 2 (E) | 10 | 2 | D (5) |
| 1 (A) | 10 | 3 | G (1) |
G 6th is played in open position as 0 4 7 5: 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 5. The G string rings open.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | open | — | G (1) |
| 3 (C) | 4 | 1 | E (6) |
| 2 (E) | 7 | 3 | B (3) |
| 1 (A) | 5 | 2 | D (5) |
G 6th adds a major 6th (E) to the G major triad. This extra note creates a softer, more colorful sound than the plain major chord.
The open G and E strings are chord tones, so they belong in the voicing. Leaving them open adds brightness and makes the shape easier to play.
Arch your fingers so they press only the fretted strings. Keep your index and middle fingers upright to avoid touching the open G and E strings.