v6–I

The v6–I progression uses a minor sixth chord built on the fifth degree as a colorful substitute for the dominant, resolving to the major tonic. The minor quality with the added sixth creates a softer, more ambiguous approach than the standard V–I, lending a sophisticated, understated quality to the resolution. This substitution is found in jazz arrangements and cinematic harmony.

Pattern: v6 – I   Example in C Major: Gm6 – C

Genre: jazz, pop, film   Difficulty: advanced

Choose a Key

C Major Gm6 – C G Major Dm6 – G D Major Am6 – D A Major Em6 – A E Major Bm6 – E B Major F♯m6 – B F♯ Major C♯m6 – F♯ F Major Cm6 – F B♭ Major Fm6 – B♭ E♭ Major Bbm6 – E♭ A♭ Major Ebm6 – A♭ D♭ Major Abm6 – D♭

Song Examples

Related Progressions

V–I i6–iv V7–I