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.
Construction
A Minor 6th = Root + Minor 3rd + Perfect 5th + Major 6th = A · C · E · F♯
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| A | Root | 1 |
| C | Minor 3rd | ♭3 |
| E | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| F♯ | Major 6th | 6 |
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 | F♯ – A – C – E |
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the A Minor 6th is the tonic (i) chord of A Minor, which shares the signature of its relative major, C Major — no sharps or flats.
Chords in the Key of A Minor
These are the triads built on each degree of the A minor scale:
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes A – C – E – F♯ aren’t exclusive to this chord. Depending on which note is the bass and how the chord functions, the same pitches also spell:
A Minor 6th — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the A Minor 6th chord on piano?
The A Minor 6th chord contains the notes A – C – E – F♯. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
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#).