The G♭ Major 6 chord is a four-note chord made up of G♭, B♭, D♭, and E♭.
Construction
G♭ Major 6 = Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th + Major 6th = G♭ · B♭ · D♭ · E♭
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| G♭ | Root | 1 |
| B♭ | Major 3rd | 3 |
| D♭ | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| E♭ | Major 6th | 6 |
G♭ Major 6 Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | G♭ – B♭ – D♭ – E♭ |
| 1st Inversion | B♭ – D♭ – E♭ – G♭ |
| 2nd Inversion | D♭ – E♭ – G♭ – B♭ |
| 3rd Inversion | E♭ – G♭ – B♭ – D♭ |
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the G♭ Major 6 is the tonic (I) chord of Gb Major, whose key signature has 6 flats (B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, G♭, C♭).
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭C♭
Order of flats
Flats are added in a fixed order — the reverse of the sharp order. Each new flat key adds the next flat on the list.
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭C♭F♭
Mnemonic: Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles’ Father
Chords in the Key of G♭ Major
These are the triads built on each degree of the G♭ major scale:
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes G♭ – B♭ – D♭ – E♭ aren’t exclusive to this chord. Depending on which note is the bass and how the chord functions, the same pitches also spell:
G♭ Major 6 — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the G♭ Major 6 chord on piano?
The G♭ Major 6 chord contains the notes G♭ – B♭ – D♭ – E♭. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the Gb Major 6 chord?
Gb6 contains: Gb, Bb, Db, Eb. Major triad with major sixth. Enharmonic of F#6.
How does Gb6 differ from Gbmaj7?
Gb6 has Eb (sixth). Gbmaj7 has F (seventh).
How does Gb6 differ from Ebm7?
Same notes, different root.
How is Gb6 used?
Vintage jazz. F#6 more commonly written.
What songs use Major 6th?
Swing, jazz.
Can I substitute Gb6 for Gb Major?
Yes.