Minor Sixth Chords

Let’s look at how to play a B flat minor 6 chord on the piano. We’ll also learn the pattern for any other minor sixth chord.

What Are Minor Sixth Chords?

Minor sixth chords are minor chords with an added note. The added note is the sixth note of the matching major scale.

To build a minor sixth chord, we’ll start by building a minor chord. We can build a minor chord by building a major chord and then lowering the middle note 1/2 step.

Then to convert the minor chord into a minor sixth chord, we’ll add the sixth note of the matching major scale.

Chord Types Printable

Learn to play 17 types of piano chords using 12 different root notes with this 35-page PDF! Chords are sorted both by their root note and type.

Get the Printable

How to Play a B Flat Minor 6 Chord on the Piano

To build a B flat minor 6 chord, we’ll start by building a B flat minor chord. We can build a B flat minor chord by building a B flat major chord, B♭ – D – F, and then lowering the middle note 1/2 step: B♭ – D♭ – F

Then we’ll add the sixth note of the B flat major scale to the chord: G

So to play a B flat minor 6 chord, we’ll play:

B♭ – D♭ – F – G

We can use this pattern to build any other minor sixth chord! First we’ll build a minor chord, then we’ll add the sixth note of the matching major scale to the chord.

Other Chord Types

Some other chord types you can learn are:

Major
Minor
Augmented
Diminished
Second
Minor Second
Suspended
Fifth
Sixth
Seventh
Minor Seventh
Major Seventh
Ninth
Minor Ninth
Major Ninth

Conclusion

Now you know how to build a B flat minor 6 chord, and you can use that pattern to build any other minor 6 chord!

Using chords to learn and play the piano is a wonderful way to enjoy music and to be creative!