A Major Sixth Chord

Chord Tones: A Major Sixth Chord

Symbol: 6, maj6 — Formula: 1-3-5-6

Degree	Note	Frequency (A=440, Equal)
1	A	440.000 Hz
3	C#	277.183 Hz
5	E	329.628 Hz
6	F#	369.994 Hz

Chord Notation

Notation Type	Symbol / Value
Lead Sheet Symbol	A6
All Common Symbols	6, maj6
Interval Formula	1-3-5-6
Harmonic Category	mildly dissonant

Roman numeral (e.g. I, IV, V) and Nashville Number notation are key-dependent. See Keys pages for chord function within specific keys.

Inversions

Inversion	Notes (low to high)	Bass Note	Slash Notation
Root Position	A – C# – E – F#	A	A Major Sixth Chord
First Inversion	C# – E – F# – A	C#	A Major Sixth Chord/C#
Second Inversion	E – F# – A – C#	E	A Major Sixth Chord/E
Third Inversion	F# – A – C# – E	F#	A Major Sixth Chord/F#

Harmonic Function

The A major sixth chord commonly functions as the submediant (vi) in C major or dominant (V) in D major. Its harmonic role varies by key — in major keys it provides stable harmonic grounding.

The major sixth chord adds a major sixth to the major triad. It has a warm, pleasant quality with a hint of jazz sophistication, often used as a substitute for the plain major chord.

Common Progressions

The A Major Sixth Chord frequently appears in these progression patterns (shown in Roman numeral notation relative to key):

I6-IV-V
I6-ii-V

Songs Featuring the Major Sixth Chord

Well-known songs where the A Major Sixth Chord — or this chord type — plays a prominent role:

My Way – Frank Sinatra
The Girl from Ipanema – Jobim
Take Five – Dave Brubeck

Tuning Frequencies Across Temperaments

Frequencies shown at A=440 Hz. View full temperament data for any note.

Note	Equal Temp.	Pythagorean	Just Intonation
A	440.000 Hz	440.000 Hz	436.043 Hz
C#	277.183 Hz	278.437 Hz	279.067 Hz
E	329.628 Hz	330.001 Hz	327.032 Hz
F#	369.994 Hz	371.251 Hz	367.911 Hz

Scales Containing the A Major Sixth Chord

These scales include the A Major Sixth Chord as a diatonic or characteristic chord:

A major A lydian Major Sixth Chord in all roots