Also written Gm6, Gmin6 or Gmin maj6
G minor 6th contains G, B♭, D, and E. The default voicing at the 1st fret uses two open strings and a simple reach.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
G minor 6th is built from the formula 1, ♭3, 5, 6, adding a major 6th to the minor triad. The major 6th interval from G to E gives the chord its characteristic lift. The ♭3 and 6 are a diminished 5th apart, creating a tritone that adds tension. Compare with G minor to hear the added 6th.
G minor 6th works as a tonic in G minor, especially in progressions like G minor–C minor–D minor. It also fits over G minor and G 5th chords for a dorian flavor. Use it in jazz, blues, and folk contexts where a minor chord needs a brighter edge.
The 1st fret voicing puts the 5th, D, in the bass, creating a smooth, less root-heavy sound. For a root-position G minor 6th, use the 6th fret shape with G in the bass. The open voicing is easier to grab but has a thinner tone.
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.
Tip — The index finger must reach the 1st fret on the A string while the middle finger stays at the 2nd fret on the C string.
| 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) |
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.
| 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) |
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.
| 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) |
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.
| 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) |
G minor 6th is played in open position as 0 4 6 5: index finger on the C string at fret 4, ring finger on the E string at fret 6 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) | 6 | 3 | B♭ (♭3) |
| 1 (A) | 5 | 2 | D (5) |
G minor 6th is written as Gm6, G min maj6, or Gmin6.
G minor 6th has a major 6th (E), while G minor 7th has a minor 7th (F). The 6th gives a brighter, more melodic quality than the 7th.
Yes, G minor 6th can appear as the ii chord in F major or the vi chord in B♭ major. It adds color without leaving the key.