The E Major 6 chord is a four-note chord made up of E, G♯, B, and C♯.
Construction
E Major 6 = Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th + Major 6th = E · G♯ · B · C♯
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| E | Root | 1 |
| G♯ | Major 3rd | 3 |
| B | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| C♯ | Major 6th | 6 |
E Major 6 Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | E – G♯ – B – C♯ |
| 1st Inversion | G♯ – B – C♯ – E |
| 2nd Inversion | B – C♯ – E – G♯ |
| 3rd Inversion | C♯ – E – G♯ – B |
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the E Major 6 is the tonic (I) chord of E Major, whose key signature has 4 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯).
F♯C♯G♯D♯
Order of sharps
Sharps are added to a key signature in a fixed order. Each new sharp key adds the next sharp on the list.
F♯C♯G♯D♯A♯E♯B♯
Mnemonic: Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle
Chords in the Key of E Major
These are the triads built on each degree of the E major scale:
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes E – G♯ – B – C♯ aren’t exclusive to this chord. Depending on which note is the bass and how the chord functions, the same pitches also spell:
E Major 6 — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the E Major 6 chord on piano?
The E Major 6 chord contains the notes E – G♯ – B – C♯. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the E Major 6 chord?
E6 contains: E, G#, B, C#. Major triad with major sixth.
How does E6 differ from Emaj7?
E6 has C# (sixth). Emaj7 has D# (seventh).
How does E6 differ from C#m7?
Same four notes, different root.
How is E6 used?
Vintage jazz, country, rock.
What songs use Major 6th?
Swing, country.
Can I substitute E6 for E Major?
Yes.