Sixth Chords

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

What Are Sixth Chords?

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

So to build a sixth chord, we’ll start by building a major chord. We can build a major chord using the first, third and fifth notes of the matching major scale. Then to convert the major chord into a 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 D Flat 6 Chord on the Piano

So to build a D flat 6 chord on the piano, we’ll start with a D flat major chord. We can build a D flat major chord using the first, third and fifth notes of the D flat major scale: D♭ – F – A♭

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

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

D♭ – F – A♭ – B♭

We can use this pattern to build any other sixth chord. We’ll first build a major chord using the first, third and fifth notes of the matching major scale. Then we’ll add the sixth note of the matching major scale to the chord.

Other Chord Types

Some of the other chord types we can learn are:

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

Conclusion

Now you know how to play a D flat 6 chord, and you can use this knowledge to build any other sixth chord.

Sixth chords can add some nice variety and depth at the piano. I hope you enjoy experimenting with these chords!