Ab Major Sixth Chord

Chord Tones: Ab Major Sixth Chord

Symbol: 6, maj6 — Formula: 1-3-5-6

Degree	Note	Frequency (A=440, Equal)
1	Ab	415.305 Hz
3	C	261.626 Hz
5	Eb	311.127 Hz
6	F	349.228 Hz

Chord Notation

Notation Type	Symbol / Value
Lead Sheet Symbol	Ab6
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	Ab – C – Eb – F	Ab	Ab Major Sixth Chord
First Inversion	C – Eb – F – Ab	C	Ab Major Sixth Chord/C
Second Inversion	Eb – F – Ab – C	Eb	Ab Major Sixth Chord/Eb
Third Inversion	F – Ab – C – Eb	F	Ab Major Sixth Chord/F

Harmonic Function

The Ab major sixth chord commonly functions as the submediant (♭VI) in C minor or subdominant in E♭ 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 Ab 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 Ab 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
Ab	415.305 Hz	417.657 Hz	418.601 Hz
C	261.626 Hz	260.740 Hz	261.626 Hz
Eb	311.127 Hz	309.026 Hz	313.951 Hz
F	349.228 Hz	347.654 Hz	348.834 Hz

Scales Containing the Ab Major Sixth Chord

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

Ab major Ab lydian Major Sixth Chord in all roots