F Minor 6th
Hear the F Minor 6th chord played for you.
Fm6
F – A♭ – C – D
Formula:R-m3-P5-M6
Intervals:P1-m3-P5-M6
Scale Degrees:1-b3-5-6
Introduction
The F Minor 6th chord is a four-note chord made up of F, A♭, C, and D. It is built from a root, minor third, perfect fifth, and major sixth.
The F Minor 6th piano chord (Fm6) consists of the notes F, Ab, C, D. 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
F Minor 6th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | F – A♭ – C – D |
| 1st Inversion | A♭ – C – D – F |
| 2nd Inversion | C – D – F – A♭ |
| 3rd Inversion | F – A♭ – C – D |
Key Signature
The key of F Minor 6th has 4 flats.
B♭E♭A♭D♭
Order of flats
Flats are added in a fixed order — the reverse of the sharp order. Each new flat key adds the next flat on the list.
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭C♭F♭
Mnemonic: Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles’ Father
Chords in the Key of F Minor
These are the diatonic triads built on each degree of the F minor scale:
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
i — F Minor (minor)
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-m3-P5-M6
Intervals: P1-m3-P5-M6
The F 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.
F Minor 6th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the F Minor 6th chord?
Fm6 contains: F, Ab, C, D. Minor triad with major sixth.
How does Fm6 differ from Fm7?
Fm6 has D (major sixth). Fm7 has Eb (minor seventh).
How is Fm6 used?
Descending chromatic line. Jazz tonic. Enharmonic of Dm7b5.
Is Fm6 the same as Dm7b5?
Same four notes, different root context.
What songs use Minor 6th?
My Funny Valentine pattern, jazz standards.
How does Fm6 differ from F6?
Fm6 has minor third (Ab).
Practice Tips
- Descending line: Fm → FmMaj7 → Fm7 → Fm6.
- Fm6 and Dm7b5 are the same notes.
- Bittersweet quality.
- Jazz Dorian tonic in F minor.
- Compare with Fm7.
- Common in jazz and gospel.
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