A 6th Guitar Chord — Drop B
Guitar chord voicings in Drop B tuning (B-F#-B-E-G#-C#)
A 6th Voicings in Drop B
A 6th filtered by fret:
A 6th in Drop B Tuning — Guide
The A 6th chord is made up of the following notes: A, C#, E, F#.
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 5P, 6M.
The A 6th chord in Drop B tuning (B-F#-B-E-G#-C#) requires different fingerings than standard tuning.
The A sixth chord adds a major sixth to a major triad, producing A, C#, E, F# with intervals 1P, 3M, 5P, 6M. This extra note gives the chord a warm, vintage sweetness that was a signature of early jazz, swing, and Hawaiian music. Unlike seventh chords, sixths feel resolved and cheerful, making them perfect for endings, vamps, and anywhere a classic, golden-age aesthetic is desired.
How to Play A 6th
On guitar, A 6 typically requires a barre or partial barre voicing. Experiment with different positions to find the voicing that best suits your playing context — higher positions sound brighter and tighter, while lower positions offer more bass and resonance. CAGED system shapes help navigate these options efficiently.
A 6th in Progressions
A sixth often substitutes for A major or A major seventh as a tonic chord, especially in jazz standards and swing. It provides a resolved but colorful ending and works well in turnarounds and vamp sections.
Common Substitutions
Amaj7, F#m7, or A6/9 substitute naturally, as the sixth and minor seventh inversions are closely related.
Difficulty: On guitar, this chord is intermediate — a barre or partial barre is likely needed, but the shape is manageable with practice.