C 6th Guitar Chord — Drop B
Guitar chord voicings in Drop B tuning (B-F#-B-E-G#-C#)
C 6th Voicings in Drop B
C 6th filtered by fret:
C 6th in Drop B Tuning — Guide
The C 6th chord is made up of the following notes: C, E, G, A.
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 5P, 6M.
The C 6th chord in Drop B tuning (B-F#-B-E-G#-C#) requires different fingerings than standard tuning.
The C sixth chord adds a major sixth to a major triad, producing C, E, G, A 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 C 6th
On guitar, C 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.
C 6th in Progressions
C sixth often substitutes for C major or C 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
Cmaj7, Am7, or C6/9 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.