Minor Sixth
Definition & Properties
The minor sixth has a rich, slightly melancholic consonance. It is the inversion of the major third and appears frequently in romantic and jazz melody writing for its expressive quality.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation | m6 |
| Semitones | 8 |
| Quality | Minor |
| Just Ratio | 8:5 |
| Cents from Equal | +13.69 |
| Harmonic Character | rich consonance |
Ear Training Reference
The Minor Sixth (m6) is commonly recognized by the ascending motion of: The Entertainer; Fuer Elise (descending).
Practice direction: ascending — sing from the lower note up by 8 semitones.
Note Pair Examples
| Note 1 | Note 2 | Interval | Semitones |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | G# | Minor Sixth | 8 |
| G | D# | Minor Sixth | 8 |
| D | A# | Minor Sixth | 8 |
| F | C# | Minor Sixth | 8 |
Intonation by Temperament
The Minor Sixth measures 8:5 in just intonation (+13.69 cents from equal temperament). This deviation affects ensemble tuning and instrument voicing.
| Temperament | C4 (Hz) | G#4 (Hz) |
|---|---|---|
| Equal Temperament | 261.626 | 415.305 |
| Pythagorean | 260.740 | 417.657 |
| Just Intonation | 261.626 | 418.601 |
Instrument Tuning Context
The Minor Sixth (8 semitones) appears in chord voicings where intonation precision matters for blend. Equal vs. just tuning difference: 13.69 cents.
Chords & Scales Containing This Interval
Chords
These chord types contain the Minor Sixth as a characteristic interval:
Scales
These scales include the Minor Sixth as a structural interval: