Major Sixth
Definition & Properties
The major sixth has a warm, pleasing consonance often associated with a feeling of longing. It is the inversion of the minor third and a key component of major sixth and sixth-ninth chords.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation | M6 |
| Semitones | 9 |
| Quality | Major |
| Just Ratio | 5:3 |
| Cents from Equal | -15.64 |
| Harmonic Character | warm consonance |
Ear Training Reference
The Major Sixth (M6) is commonly recognized by the ascending motion of: My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean; NBC chimes.
Practice direction: ascending — sing from the lower note up by 9 semitones.
Note Pair Examples
| Note 1 | Note 2 | Interval | Semitones |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | A | Major Sixth | 9 |
| G | E | Major Sixth | 9 |
| D | B | Major Sixth | 9 |
| F | D | Major Sixth | 9 |
Intonation by Temperament
The Major Sixth measures 5:3 in just intonation (-15.64 cents from equal temperament). This deviation affects ensemble tuning and instrument voicing.
| Temperament | C4 (Hz) | A4 (Hz) |
|---|---|---|
| Equal Temperament | 261.626 | 440.000 |
| Pythagorean | 260.740 | 440.000 |
| Just Intonation | 261.626 | 436.043 |
Instrument Tuning Context
The Major Sixth (9 semitones) appears in chord voicings where intonation precision matters for blend. Equal vs. just tuning difference: 15.64 cents.
Chords & Scales Containing This Interval
The Major Sixth is present in all diatonic contexts. See the Chord Reference for chord types that incorporate this interval.
Scales
These scales include the Major Sixth as a structural interval: