Eb Minor Sixth Chord

Chord Tones: Eb Minor Sixth Chord

Symbol: m6, min6 — Formula: 1-♭3-5-6

DegreeNoteFrequency (A=440, Equal)
1 Eb 311.127 Hz
♭3 Gb 369.994 Hz
5 Bb 466.164 Hz
6 C 261.626 Hz

Chord Notation

Notation TypeSymbol / Value
Lead Sheet SymbolEbm6
All Common Symbolsm6, min6
Interval Formula1-♭3-5-6
Harmonic Categorymildly 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

InversionNotes (low to high)Bass NoteSlash Notation
Root Position Eb Gb Bb C Eb Eb Minor Sixth Chord
First Inversion Gb Bb C Eb Gb Eb Minor Sixth Chord/Gb
Second Inversion Bb C Eb Gb Bb Eb Minor Sixth Chord/Bb
Third Inversion C Eb Gb Bb C Eb Minor Sixth Chord/C

Harmonic Function

The Eb minor sixth chord commonly functions as the mediant (♭III) in C minor or subdominant in B♭ 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.

Common Progressions

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

Songs Featuring the Minor Sixth Chord

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

Tuning Frequencies Across Temperaments

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

NoteEqual Temp.PythagoreanJust Intonation
Eb 311.127 Hz 309.026 Hz 313.951 Hz
Gb 369.994 Hz 371.251 Hz 367.911 Hz
Bb 466.164 Hz 463.538 Hz 470.926 Hz
C 261.626 Hz 260.740 Hz 261.626 Hz

Scales Containing the Eb Minor Sixth Chord

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