Notes in E6
The E6 chord contains 4 notes: E, A♭, B, C♯
Intervals
| Interval | Semitones | Note | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| R | 0 | E | Root |
| 3 | 4 | A♭ | Major 3rd |
| 5 | 7 | B | Perfect 5th |
| 6 | 9 | C♯ | Major 6th |
About E Major 6th Chords
Major 6th chords add the 6th to a major triad. Popular in jazz standards, swing, and country, they have a bright, slightly retro quality. In jazz, 6th chords often substitute for maj7 when the melody includes the root note.
Compatible Scales & Modes
These scales contain all the notes of E6 and can be used for soloing, improvising, and writing melodies over this chord.
EXPLORE MODES
Playing E sixth on Guitar
The E sixth chord, spelled E, A♭, B, C♯, occupies a specific harmonic role that depends on the musical context. In the key of E major and E minor, this chord can function as a primary harmony or as a passing color depending on where it appears in the progression. Understanding which scale degrees produce E-rooted chords helps you predict chord progressions and improvise melodies that complement the harmony.
On guitar, E sixth voicings benefit from the low open E string giving maximum bass resonance. The physical shape of this chord on the fretboard determines its tonal character — the same notes arranged in different voicings produce noticeably different sounds due to string gauge, fret position, and overtone content. Experiment with playing E sixth in multiple positions to find the voicing that best fits the register and texture of the music you are working on.
Adding the sixth to E major creates a warm, vintage-sounding chord. E6 has a settled, sweet quality that avoids the tension of seventh chords, making it a classic choice for endings and turnarounds in jazz standards and early rock and roll.
When practicing E sixth, use the compatible scales listed above to improvise melodies and riffs. Start by playing the chord, then explore the scale tones one at a time to hear how each note sounds against the harmony. This ear training exercise connects your theoretical knowledge of E-rooted chords to practical musicianship skills that improve your playing across all genres and styles.