Mandolin · Level 5 · Intermediate

Sixth chords on Mandolin

I6–IV6–vi–V in all 12 keys.

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THE SHORT ANSWER

Sixth chords add the sixth note to a major triad for a sweet, vintage sound from swing, western swing and early rock'n'roll.

Choose a key

C majorC6 · F6 · Am · GD♭ majorD♭6 · G♭6 · B♭m · A♭D majorD6 · G6 · Bm · AE♭ majorE♭6 · A♭6 · Cm · B♭E majorE6 · A6 · C♯m · BF majorF6 · B♭6 · Dm · CF♯ majorF♯6 · B6 · D♯m · C♯G majorG6 · C6 · Em · DA♭ majorA♭6 · D♭6 · Fm · E♭A majorA6 · D6 · F♯m · EB♭ majorB♭6 · E♭6 · Gm · FB majorB6 · E6 · G♯m · F♯

Listen first: C major

C6

C major sixth

Notes: C · E · G · A

GDAE

F6

F major sixth

Notes: F · A · C · D

×GDAE

Am

A minor

Notes: A · C · E

GDAE

G

G major

Notes: G · B · D

GDAE
1
C6
2
F6
3
Am
4
G

Why it works

C6 and Am7 contain the same four notes; the bass note decides which name fits.

On another instrument

Sixth chords on Guitar →Sixth chords on Piano →Sixth chords on Ukulele →Sixth chords on Banjo →Sixth chords on Violin →Sixth chords on Flute →

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