E Minor 6th

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

Introduction

The E Minor 6th piano chord (Em6) consists of the notes E, G, B, C#. 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:E – G – B – C#

E Minor 6th Inversions

PositionNotes
Root PositionE4 – G4 – B4 – C#5
1st InversionG4 – B4 – C#5 – E5
2nd InversionB4 – C#5 – E5 – G5
3rd InversionE4 – G4 – B4 – C#4

Key Signature

The key of E Minor 6th has 1 sharp: F♯.

F♯

Theory: Intervals

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

The E 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.

E Minor 6th — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the E Minor 6th chord?

Em6 contains: E, G, B, C#. Minor triad with major sixth.

How does Em6 differ from Em7?

Em6 has C# (major sixth). Em7 has D (minor seventh).

How is Em6 used?

Descending line. Jazz tonic. Enharmonic of C#m7b5.

Is Em6 the same as C#m7b5?

Same notes, different root.

What songs use Minor 6th?

My Funny Valentine, Stairway to Heaven.

How does Em6 differ from E6?

Em6 has minor third (G).

Practice Tips

  • Descending line: Em → EmMaj7 → Em7 → Em6.
  • Em6 and C#m7b5 same notes.
  • Bittersweet quality.
  • Dorian tonic in E minor.
  • Compare with Em7.
  • Common in rock and jazz.