Explore chords · Ukulele
G 6th chord on ukulele (G6)
Also called or written G6 or G
G 6th contains G, B, D and E. The open shape uses two open strings and two fretted notes, making it the easiest 6th chord on this page.
How it is built
Formula 1, 3, 5, 6
- Root positionG–B–D–EG67-7-7-7
- First inversionB–D–E–GG6/B9-11-10-10
- Second inversionD–E–G–BG6/D0-2-0-2
- Third inversionE–G–B–DG6/E4-4-3-5
How do you play a G 6th chord on ukulele?
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.
Full note and interval breakdown
| 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) |
AdvancedThe open shape is easy, but the index and middle fingers must fret cleanly at the 2nd fret without muting the open strings.
G6/E inversion
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.
Full note and interval breakdown
| 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) |
7th fret
G 6th is played at the 7th fret as 7 7 7 7: barre your index finger across fret 7.
Full note and interval breakdown
| 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) |
G6/B inversion
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.
Full note and interval breakdown
| 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) |
Why it sounds like that
G 6th is built from the major triad G–B–D plus the sixth, E. The sixth adds a warm, consonant colour to the major sound. Compare it with G major, which stops at the fifth and sounds more plain.
What goes wrong with G 6th?
- Letting the index finger touch the E string, which deadens the open E.
- Pressing too hard with the middle finger, which can pull the A string sharp.
- Allowing the fingers to drift away from the frets, causing a buzz on the C or A string.
When to use it
G 6th works as the tonic in G major, especially in the I–IV–V–I progression G–C–D–G. It suits folk, country and pop where a major triad needs extra colour. Try it in place of G major at cadences.
Changing to and from G 6th
- From G major, add the middle finger on the A string at fret 2 and the index on the C string at fret 2.
- To C major, lift the middle finger and move the index to the A string at fret 3.
Which voicing to use
The open shape has G in the bass, giving a solid root position. The G6/B inversion at the 4th fret places B in the bass, which makes the chord feel lighter and more open. The G6/D inversion at the 7th fret is a full barre with D in the bass, useful for a smoother, higher voicing.
Other G chords
Common questions
How is G 6th written?
G 6th is written as G6 or G. The root is G, and it is not enharmonically respelled.
What is the difference between G 6th and G major 7th?
G 6th adds the sixth, E, while G major 7th adds the seventh, F♯. The sixth is more consonant and less tense than the major seventh.
Can G 6th be used in a minor key?
Yes, G 6th can appear in E natural minor as the III chord, but it is less common. It adds a major colour to the minor progression.
Why is the open shape easier?
The open shape uses open strings and only two fretted notes, so the hand does not need to stretch. It also has G in the bass, which is a clear root position.