Julie Swihart

Sixth Chords

Let’s look at how to play a G6 chord on the piano. We’ll also learn the pattern for building any 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. Major chords are built using the first, third and fifth notes of the matching major scale (learn how to build a major scale here).

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

Chord Types Printable

Learn to play 17 types of piano chords using 12 different root notes with this 34-page PDF! Chords are sorted both by their root note (C, D, E, etc.) and type (major, minor, etc.).

Get the Printable

How to Play a G6 Chord

To build a G6 chord, we’ll build our G major chord using the first, third and fifth notes of the G major scale: G – B – D.

Then we’ll add the sixth note of the G major scale: E

So to play a G6 chord on the piano, we’ll play:

G – B – D – E

You can use this pattern to build any sixth chord. First build a major chord, then add the sixth note of the matching major scale.

Other Chord Types

There are many other chord types you can learn to play. Here are some others:

Major
Minor
Augmented
Diminished
Second
Minor second
Fifth
Suspended
Minor sixth
Seventh
Minor Seventh
Major seventh
Ninth
Minor ninth
Major ninth

Conclusion

Now you know how to build G6 chords on the piano, and you can use that knowledge to build any sixth chord.

Learning piano chords is such a great way to learn the piano! Once you begin seeing patterns on the piano, chords start making a lot more sense and using them becomes a lot of fun!