How to play E 6th on guitar
These shapes are for standard tuning (E A D G B E). The first is the easiest, and the others sit in different positions on the neck. Playing in another tuning? Pick it above the diagrams and the shapes are redrawn for it.
Shape 1: 042100
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 4.
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 1.
- Let the 6th, 2nd, 1st strings ring open.
Shape 2: xx2120
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 1.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 2.
- Let the 1st string ring open.
- Don't play the 6th, 5th strings.
Shape 3: (12)(11)9999 (from fret 9)
- Lay your index finger flat across the 1st to 4th strings at fret 9 (a barre).
- Press the 6th string (E) at fret 12.
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 11.
The numbers in the shape name list the fret for each string from the lowest (thickest) to the highest, with x meaning that string is not played and 0 meaning it rings open.
Notes in E 6th
| Note | Role |
|---|---|
| E | 1 (root) |
| G♯ | 3 |
| B | 5 |
| C♯ | 6 |
The formula for E 6th (major 6) is 1 3 5 6: take the root, then the scale degrees listed.
When to use E6
Major 6th chords sound warm and slightly old-fashioned. They are common in jazz, swing, country and as a gentle ending chord.
Other E chords
E, Em, E7, Emaj7, Em7, Esus2, Esus4, E°, E+, Eadd9, Eø7
Other 6th chords on guitar
C6, D♭6, D6, E♭6, F6, F♯6, G6, A♭6, A6, B♭6, B6
Frequently asked questions
How do you play E 6th on guitar?
The easiest E6 shape on guitar is 042100 (Press the 5th string (A) at fret 4. Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2. Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 1. Let the 6th, 2nd, 1st strings ring open.)
What notes are in E 6th?
E 6th (E6) contains the notes E G♯ B C♯. The formula is 1 3 5 6.
How many guitar shapes are there for E6?
There are many. This page shows 3 common ones at different positions, easiest first. Moving a barre shape up the neck gives the same chord type on other roots.
See E 6th on ukulele, check its notes in the chord finder, or transpose a whole song with the chord transposer. Browse the full guitar chord library.