C6 Piano Chord

Piano Diagram of C6 in Root Position

C6 is a four-note chord consisting of the notes C, E, G, and A. It is a major chord with an added sixth. It belongs to the chord family of “added tone chords” (aka “add chord”). Keep reading to gain a deeper understanding of the music theory behind this chord.

 

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Finger Position

 

C6 Chord Inversions

 

The C6 chord has a total of 3 inversions:

 Piano Keyboard Diagrams

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Music Theory and Harmony of C6

Building the C6 Chord: Different Approaches

Starting from the C Major Scale

To create a 6th chord, you can use the Major scale as a reference by combining a Root, a 3rd, a 5th, and a 6th.

 

 

Apply the formula R, 3, 5, 6 to build a 6th chord:

1. Select the Root note, which is C.
2. Pick the 3rd note, which is E, and add it to the chord.
3. Add the 5th note, which is G, and include it as well.
4. Finally, add the 6th which is A

 

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by Combining Intervals

To build a 6th chord, one approach is to combine specific intervals, namely a major 3rd, a minor 3rd, and a major 2nd (a whole-tone).

3 + m3 + 2 = 6th chords

For instance, when building a C6 chord, you can observe that

• C-E forms a major 3rd interval,
• E-G creates a minor 3rd interval, and
• G-A makes up a whole-tone interval.

By stacking these intervals together, you can form a C6 chord.

 

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6th Chords Equivalencies

If we take the third inversion of a 6th chord (which means we move the notes around so that the 6th note becomes the Root note), we end up with a new chord that is equivalent to a min7 chord.

So, if we take the C6 chord (which has the notes C, E, G, and A) and move the notes around so that A becomes the Root note, we end up with a new chord that is equivalent to an A min7 chord (which has the notes A, C, E, and G).

3rd inversion of C6 = A min7

 

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How to Use C6 in a Chord Progression

 

Since 6th are based on major triads with an extra sixth, they can substitute the major chords built on the scale of the root. This means that we can use the C6 chord in those positions on the scale where the harmonization results in a major chord.

This table showcases the harmonized major and natural minor scales where a C Major chord can be found. In all positions where a C Maj7 chord is present, the C6 chord can be used as a variation.

on Major Scales

• Tonic chord in C Major
• Subdominant chord in G Major

on Natural minor Scales

• Mediant chord in A minor
• Submediant chord in E minor

 

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C6 in C Major

The 6th interval is a consonant interval, which means it doesn’t create any tension that needs to be resolved. It’s stable and often used as a substitute for the tonic chord, which is usually the main chord in a musical piece.

The A6th chord can be used instead of a C major (or C major 7th chord), which is the first chord in the harmonized C major scale.

In a major key, the I chord (built on the first degree of the major scale) serves as the tonic chord, providing the harmonic center of the chord progression.

 

C6 Chord Progressions as I degree

Replacing a standard major chord with a 6th chord can enhance the richness and complexity of your music. Here’s a chord progression that demonstrates how the C6 chord can function as a substitute for the tonic (I degree) in a chord progression:

 

II V I

 

I IV V

 

I V vi IV

 

I IV vi V

 

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C6 in G Major

The C6 chord can also be used as the fourth degree of the G major scale as a substitute for the C Maj7. When applied to the I-IV-V progression, this chord on the fourth degree acts as a transitional chord between the first and fifth degrees.

 

C6 as IV degree – Chord Progressions

Try playing these chord progressions to get an idea of how C6 functions as a substitute for the subdominant (IV degree) in a chord progression.

 

I IV V

 

I V vi IV

 

I IV vi V

 

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C6 in A minor

Similarly, in A minor, the C6 chord can be used as a substitute for the C Maj7 chord on the third degree.

 

C6 as III degree – Chord Progressions

These chord progressions show the C6 chord as a substitute for the mediant (III degree) chord.

 

i III

 

i III VII VI

 

Circle Progression

 

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C6 in E minor

In the key of E, you can also substitute a C6 chord for a C Maj7 chord when the C Maj7 chord appears on the sixth degree of the E minor scale. This is another situation where the C6 chord can be used as a replacement.

 

C6 as VI degree – Chord Progressions

You may want to experiment with these chord progressions to understand how the C6 chord can be used instead of the C Maj7 chord when it acts as the submediant (VI degree) in an E minor scale.

 

i VI VII

 

i v VI VII

 

i III VII VI

 

Circle Progression

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Alternative Names for C6 Chord

• Do6
• C 6th
• C M6
• C sixth
• C add6
• C Maj6
• C major6
• C major 6th
• C major sixth
• C major add 6th

 

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