F# Sixth Guitar Arpeggio
Guitar arpeggio — fretboard diagram
F# Sixth Arpeggio — Notes and Intervals
Notes: F#, A#, C#, D#
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 5P, 6M
Formula: 2W-WH-W
Number of notes: 4
Also known as: 6, add6, add13, M6
The F# Sixth arpeggio contains 4 notes (F#, A#, C#, D#). Use the interactive fretboard diagram above to explore each arpeggio shape and pattern on Guitar. Practice ascending and descending from the root note across all strings to learn the sound of this arpeggio.
When to Use the F# Sixth Arpeggio
Play the F# Sixth arpeggio whenever a F# Sixth chord appears in a progression. Unlike scales (which include passing tones), arpeggios guarantee every note you play IS a chord tone, making your solo sound harmonically precise and intentional.
Arpeggio vs. Scale
The F# Sixth arpeggio uses 4 notes (F#, A#, C#, D#) while the full scale uses 7. The arpeggio is a subset — think of it as the skeleton of the scale. Practice alternating between the arpeggio and the full scale to develop a melodic vocabulary that mixes chord tones with passing tones.
How to Play F# Sixth Arpeggio on Guitar
Root your F# Sixth arpeggio at fret 2 on the 6th (low E), or alternatively at 9th fret on the A string. This 4-note arpeggio (F#, A#, C#, D#) benefits from economy picking, combining sweep and alternate picking motions. Practice isolating two-string pairs to build coordination before linking the full shape.
The F# Sixth arpeggio outlines a F#Sixth chord. Playing these 4 tones (F#, A#, C#, D#) over the matching harmony ensures your melodic lines clearly follow the chord changes.
Practice Routine — Exercises for Playing
Start by playing the F# Sixth arpeggio ascending and descending at 60 BPM, one note per beat, using a metronome. Once even and confident, play it in eighth notes, then triplets, keeping each note articulate. Spend at least 5 minutes daily on this before moving to musical application.
Guitar Tips
Try playing the F# Sixth arpeggio on guitar by superimposing it over the corresponding F# major barre chord shape. This visual connection between chord and arpeggio helps you find arpeggio tones instantly during improvisation.
Related Resources
Explore F# Sixth in Other Tunings
- F# Sixth in Drop D (E-B-G-D-A-D)
- F# Sixth in DADGAD (D-A-G-D-A-D)
- F# Sixth in Open G (D-B-G-D-G-D)
- F# Sixth in Baritone (B Standard) (B-F#-D-A-E-B)
- F# Sixth in 7-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B)
- F# Sixth in 8-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B-F#)
- F# Sixth in Drop C (D-A-F-C-G-C)
- F# Sixth in Drop B (C#-G#-E-B-F#-B)
- F# Sixth in Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)
- F# Sixth in Half Step Down (Eb-Bb-Gb-Db-Ab-Eb)
- F# Sixth in Open E (E-B-G#-E-B-E)
- F# Sixth in Open A (E-C#-A-E-A-E)
- F# Sixth in Double Drop D (D-B-G-D-A-D)
- F# Sixth in Open C (E-C-G-C-G-C)