Piano · Level 5 · Intermediate
Sixth chords in A major on Piano
Don’t just read about Sixth chords in A major. Play it.
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Sixth chords add the sixth note to a major triad for a sweet, vintage sound from swing, western swing and early rock'n'roll.
A6
Notes: A · C♯ · E · F♯
D6
Notes: D · F♯ · A · B
F♯m
Notes: F♯ · A · C♯
E
Notes: E · G♯ · B
HOW TO PRACTISE IT
Six steps to a clean loop.
- Play each chord on its own: A6, D6, F♯m and E. Press play on the chord card, then match the sound.
- Keep the right hand curved over the keys and move it as one unit between chords.
- Set the tempo to 60 BPM and play the progression with one chord per bar. Compare each 6 chord with the plain triad to hear the added colour.
- Play the left-hand bass note on beat one and the right-hand chord on every beat.
- Raise the tempo to 80 BPM once you can play the loop three times without stopping.
- Record one take, listen back and check for a bright, open ending sound on I6.
Listen for
Aim for a bright, open ending sound on I6. A common mistake is letting the sixth sound like a separate melody note.
Why it works
C6 and Am7 contain the same four notes; the bass note decides which name fits.
A major has 3 sharps; its relative minor key is F♯ minor.
Questions
What are the chords in I6–IV6–vi–V in A major?
In A major the progression is A6 | D6 | F♯m | E.
What is the key signature of A major?
A major has 3 sharps. Its relative minor is F♯ minor.
Is this lesson right for my level?
This is a level 5 lesson (intermediate). If it feels too hard, start with “The major ii–V–I”.
Your hands learn faster than your eyes.
Reading a chord chart is step one. Play it to a metronome, record it, and hear yourself get better, all in one app.
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