Explore chords · Ukulele
G minor 6th chord on ukulele (Gm6)
Also called or written Gm6, Gmin6, Gmin maj6 or G Minor Major 6
G minor 6th contains G, B♭, D, and E. The open position uses two open strings and a first-fret A string, making it the easiest grip in this set.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭3, 5, 6
- Root positionG–B♭–D–EGm67-7-6-7
- First inversionB♭–D–E–GGm6/B♭9-10-10-10
- Second inversionD–E–G–B♭Gm6/D0-2-0-1
- Third inversionE–G–B♭–DGm6/E3-4-3-5
How do you play a G minor 6th chord on ukulele?
G minor 6th is played in open position as 0 2 0 1: middle finger on the C string at fret 2 and index finger on the A string at fret 1. The G and E strings ring open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | open | — | G (1) |
| 3 (C) | 2 | 2 | D (5) |
| 2 (E) | open | — | E (6) |
| 1 (A) | 1 | 1 | B♭ (♭3) |
AdvancedThe index finger must fret the A string at the 1st fret without touching the open E string, requiring a clean arch.
Gmin6/E inversion
G minor 6th is played at the 3rd fret as 3 4 3 5: index finger on the G string at fret 3, ring finger on the C string at fret 4, middle 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) | 3 | 1 | B♭ (♭3) |
| 3 (C) | 4 | 3 | E (6) |
| 2 (E) | 3 | 2 | G (1) |
| 1 (A) | 5 | 4 | D (5) |
6th fret
G minor 6th is played at the 6th fret as 7 7 6 7: middle finger on the G string at fret 7, ring finger on the C string at fret 7, index finger on the E string at fret 6 and pinky finger on the A string at fret 7.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7 | 2 | D (5) |
| 3 (C) | 7 | 3 | G (1) |
| 2 (E) | 6 | 1 | B♭ (♭3) |
| 1 (A) | 7 | 4 | E (6) |
Gmin6/B♭ inversion
G minor 6th is played at the 9th fret as 9 10 10 10: index finger on the G string at fret 9, middle finger on the C string at fret 10, ring finger on the E string at fret 10 and pinky 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) | 10 | 2 | B♭ (♭3) |
| 2 (E) | 10 | 3 | D (5) |
| 1 (A) | 10 | 4 | G (1) |
Why it sounds like that
G minor 6th is built from the formula 1, ♭3, 5, 6. The major 6th from G to E gives the chord its bright edge. Compare G minor, which omits the 6th.
What goes wrong with G minor 6th?
- Letting the index finger lean and mute the open E string.
- Pressing the middle finger too hard, which sharpens the C string.
- Striking the open G string too hard and overpowering the chord.
When to use it
G minor 6th acts as a tonic in G minor and colours G minor and G 5th chords. It suits folk and jazz minor lines.
Changing to and from G minor 6th
- Sliding the shape up two frets to the 3rd fret gives A minor 6th.
- From G minor, add the index finger on the A string, 1st fret.
Which voicing to use
The open position keeps G in the bass and uses open strings for a ringing sound. The Gmin6/B♭ inversion at the 3rd fret places B♭ in the bass, darkening the sound.
Other G chords
Common questions
How is G minor 6th written?
G minor 6th is written Gm6, min maj6, or Gmin6.
What is the difference between G minor 6th and G minor 7th?
G minor 6th has a major 6th (E), while G minor 7th has a minor 7th (F). The 6th gives a brighter colour.
Can G minor 6th be played with all strings fretted?
Yes, the Gmin6/B♭ inversion at the 3rd fret frets all four strings, but the open position is the default and uses two open strings.