B Minor 6th

Notes:B – D – F# – G#
Formula:R-m3-P5-M6
Intervals:P1-m3-P5-M6
Scale Degrees:1-b3-5-6

Introduction

The B Minor 6th piano chord (Bm6) consists of the notes B, D, F#, G#. 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

Notes:B – D – F# – G#

B Minor 6th Inversions

PositionNotes
Root PositionB4 – D5 – F#5 – G#5
1st InversionD5 – F#5 – G#5 – B5
2nd InversionF#5 – G#5 – B5 – D6
3rd InversionB4 – D5 – F#5 – G#4

Key Signature

The key of B Minor 6th has 2 sharps: F♯, C♯.

F♯C♯

Theory: Intervals

Formula: R-m3-P5-M6
Intervals: P1-m3-P5-M6

The B 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.

B Minor 6th — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the B Minor 6th chord?

Bm6 contains: B, D, F#, G#. Minor triad with major sixth.

How does Bm6 differ from Bm7?

Bm6 has G# (major sixth). Bm7 has A (minor seventh).

How is Bm6 used?

Descending chromatic line. Jazz tonic. Enharmonic of G#m7b5.

Is Bm6 the same as G#m7b5?

Same notes, different root.

What songs use Minor 6th?

My Funny Valentine pattern.

How does Bm6 differ from B6?

Bm6 has minor third (D).

Practice Tips

  • Descending line: Bm → BmMaj7 → Bm7 → Bm6.
  • Bm6 and G#m7b5 same notes.
  • Bittersweet quality.
  • Dorian tonic.
  • Compare with Bm7.
  • Bm6 and Cbm6 are enharmonic.