E Minor 6th Guitar Chord — Drop B
Guitar chord voicings in Drop B tuning (B-F#-B-E-G#-C#)
E Minor 6th Voicings in Drop B
E Minor 6th filtered by fret:
E Minor 6th in Drop B Tuning — Guide
The E Minor 6th chord is made up of the following notes: E, G, B, C#.
Intervals: 1P, 3m, 5P, 6M.
The E Minor 6th chord in Drop B tuning (B-F#-B-E-G#-C#) requires different fingerings than standard tuning.
E minor sixth combines a minor triad with a major sixth — notes E, G, B, C#, intervals 1P, 3m, 5P, 6M. This creates a bittersweet, sophisticated sound that is more complex than a plain minor chord. Minor sixths are essential in jazz standards, tango, and classic film noir soundtracks, offering an emotional nuance that blends sadness with a hint of elegance and sophistication.
How to Play E Minor 6th
On guitar, E m6 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.
E Minor 6th in Progressions
E minor sixth typically functions as a tonic minor chord in jazz, substituting for E minor seventh. It is essential in minor-key jazz standards and Latin music, providing more character than a plain minor triad.
Common Substitutions
Em7, C#m7b5, or Em6/9 all work well, each offering a slightly different flavor of minor sophistication.
Difficulty: On guitar, this chord is intermediate — a barre or partial barre is likely needed, but the shape is manageable with practice.