Minor 6th Chords on Piano

The minor 6th chord adds a major sixth to a minor triad — creating a bittersweet, nostalgic quality. It is the final step in the famous descending chromatic minor line and serves as the Dorian tonic chord in jazz.

Formula: Root – Minor 3rd – Perfect 5th – Major 6th

Scale degrees: 1–♭3–5–6

Sound: Bittersweet, nostalgic, melancholic warmth

Symbol: m6 (Cm6, Dm6)

The descending chromatic line: Cm → CmMaj7 → Cm7 → Cm6 — Stairway to Heaven and My Funny Valentine use this movement. Also note that Cm6 contains the same notes as Am7♭5 — context determines the name.

Minor 6th Chord in All 18 Keys