E6 Guitar Chord
E6 is a major sixth chord. It adds a major sixth to a major chord for a sweet, vintage sound. Its notes are E, G#, B and C#. Below are 2 ways to play it, each with a chord diagram, tab and finger numbers.
Notes in E6
| Note | Degree | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| E | R | Root |
| G# | 3 | Major 3rd |
| B | 5 | Perfect 5th |
| C# | 6 | Major 6th |
Formula: 1–3–5–6
E6 chord shapes
Finger numbers: 1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 pinky. In the tab, x means don't play that string and 0 means play it open. In the diagrams the top line is the 1st (thinnest) string and the nut is on the left.
Open
Easiest- Tab (6th → 1st string)
- 0 2 2 1 2 0
- Fingers
- – 2 3 1 4 –
A-shape 7fr
- Tab (6th → 1st string)
- x 7 9 9 9 9
- Fingers
- – 1 3 3 3 3
How to play E6 (easiest shape)
Shape: Open, tab 0 2 2 1 2 0 (6th to 1st string).
- 1Put your index finger (1) on the 3rd string at the 1st fret.
- 2Put your middle finger (2) on the 5th string at the 2nd fret.
- 3Put your ring finger (3) on the 4th string at the 2nd fret.
- 4Put your pinky (4) on the 2nd string at the 2nd fret.
- 5Let the 6th and 1st strings ring open.
- 6Strum down from the 6th string to the 1st string.
E6: common questions
- What notes are in the E6 chord?
- E6 has 4 notes: E, G#, B and C#. Counted from the root, that is 1–3–5–6.
- Is there an easier way to play E6?
- The easiest shape on this page is "Open" (0 2 2 1 2 0). It needs no barre: each finger presses just one string.
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