A Minor 6th
Hear the A Minor 6th chord played for you.
Am6
A – C – E – F♯
Formula:R-m3-P5-M6
Intervals:P1-m3-P5-M6
Scale Degrees:1-b3-5-6
Introduction
The A Minor 6th chord is a four-note chord made up of A, C, E, and F♯. It is built from a root, minor third, perfect fifth, and major sixth.
The A Minor 6th piano chord (Am6) consists of the notes A, C, E, F#. It is a minor triad with an added major 6th, giving it a melancholic, bittersweet character. Formula: R-m3-P5-M6 | Scale degrees: 1-b3-5-6.
Notes
A Minor 6th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | A – C – E – F# |
| 1st Inversion | C – E – F# – A |
| 2nd Inversion | E – F# – A – C |
| 3rd Inversion | A – C – E – F# |
Key Signature
The key of A Minor 6th has no sharps or flats. Every note is natural, which makes it the easiest key signature to read on the staff.
Chords in the Key of A Minor
These are the diatonic triads built on each degree of the A minor scale:
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
i — A Minor (minor)
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-m3-P5-M6
Intervals: P1-m3-P5-M6
The A Minor 6th is built by stacking intervals from the root note. The formula R-m3-P5-M6 describes the scale degrees used. The intervals P1-m3-P5-M6 show the distance between each note in the chord.
A Minor 6th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the A Minor 6th chord?
Am6 contains: A, C, E, F#. Minor triad with major sixth. One of the most common m6 chords.
How does Am6 differ from Am7?
Am6 has F# (major sixth). Am7 has G (minor seventh).
How is Am6 used?
Am6 is the final chord in the famous descending line: Am → AmMaj7 → Am7 → Am6 (Stairway to Heaven). Enharmonic of F#m7b5. Jazz Dorian tonic.
Is Am6 the same as F#m7b5?
Same four notes (A, C, E, F# = F#, A, C, E). Context determines the name.
What songs use Minor 6th?
Stairway to Heaven (Led Zeppelin) — the Am → AmMaj7 → Am7 → Am6 descent is one of rock's most famous chord movements. My Funny Valentine.
How does Am6 differ from A6?
Am6 has minor third (C). A6 would have major third (C#).
Practice Tips
- Am6 is the Stairway to Heaven chord — the final step in Am → AmMaj7 → Am7 → Am6.
- Am6 and F#m7b5 are the same notes.
- The F# (major 6th) over A minor creates the Dorian sound.
- Nearly all white keys plus F# — easy to play.
- Am6 as jazz Dorian tonic is warmer than Am7.
- One of the most commonly heard m6 chords.
Related Tools
Chord FinderLook up any chord — see the notes, hear it, and play along.Chord DrillTimed drills to build speed and recognition across all chord types.Practice RoomPlug in a MIDI keyboard and get real-time feedback on every chord and scale.Circle of FifthsVisualize key relationships, relative minors, and key signatures.MIDI MonitorLive MIDI message stream with note names, velocity, and a scrolling staff.