F Minor Sixth Chord

Chord Tones: F Minor Sixth Chord

Symbol: m6, min6 — Formula: 1-♭3-5-6

DegreeNoteFrequency (A=440, Equal)
1 F 349.228 Hz
♭3 Ab 415.305 Hz
5 C 261.626 Hz
6 D 293.665 Hz

Chord Notation

Notation TypeSymbol / Value
Lead Sheet SymbolFm6
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 F Ab C D F F Minor Sixth Chord
First Inversion Ab C D F Ab F Minor Sixth Chord/Ab
Second Inversion C D F Ab C F Minor Sixth Chord/C
Third Inversion D F Ab C D F Minor Sixth Chord/D

Harmonic Function

The F minor sixth chord commonly functions as the subdominant (IV) in C major — plagal cadence endpoint. 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 F 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 F 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
F 349.228 Hz 347.654 Hz 348.834 Hz
Ab 415.305 Hz 417.657 Hz 418.601 Hz
C 261.626 Hz 260.740 Hz 261.626 Hz
D 293.665 Hz 293.332 Hz 294.329 Hz

Scales Containing the F Minor Sixth Chord

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