C major sixth chord (C6)
The C major sixth chord (C6) adds one note to the major triad: C, E, G and A (root, major third, perfect fifth and major sixth).
It is the I6 in C major and the IV6 in G major; since it contains the whole major triad, it can take its place to give it another color.
Below: voicings, notes on the fretboard, ukulele, piano, inversions and progressions.
How to play C major sixth on guitar
There is 1 guitar voicing.
Frets from the 6th string to the 1st: x = not played, 0 = open string.
- Voicing 1: x-3-5-5-5-5, with C in the bass (fingers x-1-3-3-3-3).
Notes of the C major sixth chord on the fretboard
C major sixth has 4 notes: C, E, G and A. This is where they fall on each string, from the nut to the 12th fret (fret number in parentheses):
- String 6 (E): E (0) · G (3) · A (5) · C (8) · E (12)
- String 5 (A): A (0) · C (3) · E (7) · G (10) · A (12)
- String 4 (D): E (2) · G (5) · A (7) · C (10)
- String 3 (G): G (0) · A (2) · C (5) · E (9) · G (12)
- String 2 (B): C (1) · E (5) · G (8) · A (10)
- String 1 (E): E (0) · G (3) · A (5) · C (8) · E (12)
Formula and intervals of C major sixth
Its formula is 1-3-5-6; in semitones from the root, 0-4-7-9.
- C: Root, the note that gives the chord its name
- E: Major third (M3), 4 semitones above C
- G: Perfect fifth (P5), 7 semitones above C
- A: Major sixth (M6), 9 semitones above C
C major sixth on ukulele
- Ukulele (G C E A): 0-0-0-0; it sounds G, C, E and A.
C major sixth on piano
- Keys: C4, E4, G4 and A4.
Inversions of C major sixth
Each inversion puts a different note in the bass.
- Root position: C, E, G and A, with C in the bass.
- First inversion (C6/E): E, G, A and C, with E in the bass.
- Second inversion (C6/G): G, A, C and E, with G in the bass.
Keys that use C major sixth
C major sixth appears in 6 major and minor keys.
| Key | Degree | Function |
|---|---|---|
| C major (no sharps or flats) | I6 | Tonic |
| G major (1 sharp) | IV6 | Subdominant |
| F major (1 flat) | V6 | Dominant |
| A minor (no sharps or flats) | III6 | Mediant |
| E minor (1 sharp) | VI6 | Submediant |
| D minor (1 flat) | VII6 | Subtonic |
Progressions with C major sixth
- Ending on the sixth chord in C major (ii7–V7–I6): Dm7 – G7 – C6
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the C major sixth chord?
C, E, G and A: root, major third, perfect fifth and major sixth. Its formula is 1-3-5-6.
Which keys use C major sixth?
Mainly as the I6 in C major and the IV6 in G major. In total it appears in 6 major and minor keys.
What kind of chord is C major sixth?
It is a major triad with one extra note, which adds color without changing its function. In C major sixth you hear C, E, G and A (root, major third, perfect fifth and major sixth).