G Major Sixth Chord

Chord Tones: G Major Sixth Chord

Symbol: 6, maj6 — Formula: 1-3-5-6

Degree	Note	Frequency (A=440, Equal)
1	G	391.995 Hz
3	B	493.883 Hz
5	D	293.665 Hz
6	E	329.628 Hz

Chord Notation

Notation Type	Symbol / Value
Lead Sheet Symbol	G6
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	G – B – D – E	G	G Major Sixth Chord
First Inversion	B – D – E – G	B	G Major Sixth Chord/B
Second Inversion	D – E – G – B	D	G Major Sixth Chord/D
Third Inversion	E – G – B – D	E	G Major Sixth Chord/E

Harmonic Function

The G major sixth chord commonly functions as the dominant (V) in C major — strongest resolution point. 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 G 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 G 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
G	391.995 Hz	391.111 Hz	392.438 Hz
B	493.883 Hz	495.000 Hz	490.548 Hz
D	293.665 Hz	293.332 Hz	294.329 Hz
E	329.628 Hz	330.001 Hz	327.032 Hz

Scales Containing the G Major Sixth Chord

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

G major G lydian Major Sixth Chord in all roots