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A6 chord on guitar

A6 (A major sixth) is A, C♯, E and F♯. The easiest way to play it is the open A6 chord, written x02222. Lay your 1st finger (index) flat across the 4th to 1st strings at the 2nd fret. Let the 5th string ring open. Don't play the 6th string: strum from the 5th.

A6

A major sixth · A C♯ E F♯ · 1 3 5 6

  • Open position

    Open chord

    1111AEAC♯F♯

    x02222

  • 5th fret

    Root on the 6th string

    5fr1324AAC♯F♯

    5x767x

Or pick another chord to see and hear it

Root
Chord

Dots show where each finger goes, numbered 1 (index) to 4 (little); the green ones are A, the root.

How to play A6

Strings are counted from the thinnest: the 1st is the high E and the 6th the low E. Each shape is written as tab from the 6th string to the 1st, a number for the fret to press, 0 for an open string and x for one not played.

  1. 1. Open chord · Open position

    x02222
    • Lay your 1st finger (index) flat across the 4th to 1st strings at the 2nd fret.
    • Let the 5th string ring open.
    • Don't play the 6th string: strum from the 5th.

  2. 2. Root on the 6th string · 5th fret

    5x767x
    • Put your 1st finger (index) on the 6th string, 5th fret.
    • Put your 2nd finger (middle) on the 3rd string, 6th fret.
    • Put your 3rd finger (ring) on the 4th string, 7th fret.
    • Put your 4th finger (little) on the 2nd string, 7th fret.
    • Mute the 5th and 1st strings by letting the fingers next to them touch them lightly.

Notes in the A6 chord

A6 is A, C♯, E and F♯, and it sounds sweet and old-fashioned, the last chord of many swing songs. From A, count 4 half steps up to C♯, 3 more to E and 2 more to F♯. Its formula is 1 3 5 6. The shapes above play these notes in different orders and octaves, some more than once, but always with A lowest. See its inversions and keys on the A6 piano chord page.

Chords that often come after A6

F♯m7242222A6 and F♯m7 are the same four notes over a different bass note, so they swap freely.Dxx0232A6 to D is I6 to IV, the sweet sound of swing and doo-wop.E7020100A6 to E7 is I6 to V7, which pulls straight back to A6.

More guitar chords

Other chords on A

AAmA7Amaj7Am7Asus2Asus4Aadd9A9AdimAm7♭5Adim7Aaug

Major sixth chords on other notes

C6D♭6D6E♭6E6F6F♯6G6A♭6B♭6B6

Or see every chord at once on the guitar chord chart.

Frequently asked questions

How do you play A6 on guitar?

The easiest way to play it is the open A6 chord, written x02222. Lay your 1st finger (index) flat across the 4th to 1st strings at the 2nd fret. Let the 5th string ring open. Don't play the 6th string: strum from the 5th.

What notes are in the A6 chord?

A6 is A, C♯, E and F♯. In the shape written x02222, the 5th to 1st strings play A, E, A, C♯ and F♯.

Is A6 a barre chord?

Usually, yes: it has no open shape. The barre at the 2nd fret (x02222) is the one most players use; the same shape moved to another fret plays another root.

How many ways can you play A6 on guitar?

This page shows two: x02222 (open position) and 5x767x (5th fret). Any chord can be played in more places up the neck; these are the ones chord books show first.

Can I make a beat with A6?

Yes. “Make a beat in A major” opens the free editor with a lo-fi beat in A major on A E F♯m D, the key where A6 is the I6 chord. Then change any part, add a melody and your voice, part by part. No account is needed to start.

Make a beat in A major

Opens the free editor with a lo-fi beat in A major on A E F♯m D, the key where A6 is the I6 chord. Then change any part, add a melody and your voice, part by part. No account needed to start.

Make a beat in A majorAll guitar chords

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