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.
Construction
F Minor 6th = Root + Minor 3rd + Perfect 5th + Major 6th = F · A♭ · C · D
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| F | Root | 1 |
| A♭ | Minor 3rd | ♭3 |
| C | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| D | Major 6th | 6 |
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 | D – F – A♭ – C |
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the F Minor 6th is the tonic (i) chord of F Minor, which shares the signature of its relative major, Ab Major — 4 flats (B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭).
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 triads built on each degree of the F minor scale:
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes F – A♭ – C – D aren’t exclusive to this chord. Depending on which note is the bass and how the chord functions, the same pitches also spell:
F Minor 6th — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the F Minor 6th chord on piano?
The F Minor 6th chord contains the notes F – A♭ – C – D. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
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).