C Major Sixth Chord

Chord Tones: C Major Sixth Chord

Symbol: 6, maj6 — Formula: 1-3-5-6

Degree	Note	Frequency (A=440, Equal)
1	C	261.626 Hz
3	E	329.628 Hz
5	G	391.995 Hz
6	A	440.000 Hz

Chord Notation

Notation Type	Symbol / Value
Lead Sheet Symbol	C6
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	C – E – G – A	C	C Major Sixth Chord
First Inversion	E – G – A – C	E	C Major Sixth Chord/E
Second Inversion	G – A – C – E	G	C Major Sixth Chord/G
Third Inversion	A – C – E – G	A	C Major Sixth Chord/A

Harmonic Function

The C major sixth chord commonly functions as the tonic (I) in C major/minor. 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 C 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 C 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
C	261.626 Hz	260.740 Hz	261.626 Hz
E	329.628 Hz	330.001 Hz	327.032 Hz
G	391.995 Hz	391.111 Hz	392.438 Hz
A	440.000 Hz	440.000 Hz	436.043 Hz

Scales Containing the C Major Sixth Chord

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

C major C lydian Major Sixth Chord in all roots