A Minor Sixth Chord

Chord Tones: A Minor Sixth Chord

Symbol: m6, min6 — Formula: 1-♭3-5-6

Chord Notation

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

Inversions

Harmonic Function

The A minor 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 subdominant or supertonic color.

The minor sixth chord adds a major sixth to the minor triad. It has a bittersweet quality, slightly brighter than a plain minor chord, widely used in jazz and popular music. The A Minor Sixth Chord specifically contains 4 notes: A, C, E, F♯ (formula: 1-♭3-5-6). On guitar, A-rooted chords anchor to the open A string (5th string), and barre chord shapes rooted on A form the basis of the "A-shape" CAGED system. Blues, rock, and country music use A-rooted chords extensively — the classic 12-bar blues often starts on A, and many rock power chord riffs center on the open A string.

Common Progressions

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

• i6-iv
• v6-I

Songs Featuring the Minor Sixth Chord

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

• Michelle – The Beatles (bridge)
• My Funny Valentine – jazz standard
• Autumn in New York – jazz standard

Tuning Frequencies Across Temperaments

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

Scales Containing the A Minor Sixth Chord

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