The E Minor 6th chord is a four-note chord made up of E, G, B, and C♯. It is built from a root, minor third, perfect fifth, and major sixth.
Construction
E Minor 6th = Root + Minor 3rd + Perfect 5th + Major 6th = E · G · B · C♯
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| E | Root | 1 |
| G | Minor 3rd | ♭3 |
| B | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| C♯ | Major 6th | 6 |
E Minor 6th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | E – G – B – C♯ |
| 1st Inversion | G – B – C♯ – E |
| 2nd Inversion | B – C♯ – E – G |
| 3rd Inversion | C♯ – E – G – B |
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the E Minor 6th is the tonic (i) chord of E Minor, which shares the signature of its relative major, G Major — 1 sharp (F♯).
F♯
Order of sharps
Sharps are added to a key signature in a fixed order. Each new sharp key adds the next sharp on the list.
F♯C♯G♯D♯A♯E♯B♯
Mnemonic: Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle
Chords in the Key of E Minor
These are the triads built on each degree of the E minor scale:
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes E – G – B – C♯ aren’t exclusive to this chord. Depending on which note is the bass and how the chord functions, the same pitches also spell:
E Minor 6th — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the E Minor 6th chord on piano?
The E Minor 6th chord contains the notes E – G – B – C♯. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
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).