major sixth chord
C, E, G and A
- Root
- C
- Major third
- E
- Perfect fifth
- G
- Major sixth
- A
Formula
1 3 5 6 (4, 7, 9 half steps above C)
Fingering in root position
| Notes | C | E | G | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 |
| Left hand | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
C6 inversions
C6 has 3 inversions. Each one keeps the same notes and puts a different one at the bottom, so your hand can stay close to the chord before or after it.
C6
Root position
| Notes | C | E | G | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 |
| Left hand | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
C6/E
First inversion
| Notes | E | G | A | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| Left hand | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
C6/G
Second inversion
| Notes | G | A | C | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| Left hand | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
C6/A
Third inversion
| Notes | A | C | E | G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| Left hand | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
Where C6 fits
All of its notes are in C major, G major and F major, so it fits naturally in those keys.
How C6 is built
C is the root, E the major third, G the perfect fifth and A the major sixth.
A major sixth chord is a major chord plus the major sixth, 9 half steps above the root. C6 uses the same keys as A minor 7: the name depends on which note is heard as the root.
Every chord takes every other letter of the alphabet, so the letters of C6 are C, E, G, A. That is why it is spelled C, E, G and A.
Find C6 yourself
Without looking at the diagrams, find the chord on the keyboard, then each inversion. Saying the notes out loud as you tap them helps them stick.
Step 1 of 4
Tap the notes of C6, in any octave and any order.
Practice C6 in real music
MasterPiano gives you new music to read at your level and listens as you play, through a MIDI keyboard or your device's microphone, marking each note right or wrong.
Start freeQuestions
What notes are in the C6 chord?
C6 has four notes: C, E, G and A. C is the root, E the major third, G the perfect fifth and A the major sixth.
What fingers do you use for C6 on piano?
In root position, play C, E, G and A with right hand fingers 1, 2, 4 and 5 (thumb, index finger, ring finger and little finger) and left hand fingers 5, 3, 2 and 1. The fingers change a little in each inversion; every inversion on this page shows its own.
What are the inversions of C6?
C6 has 3 inversions, one for each note other than the root at the bottom. First inversion (C6/E): E, G, A and C. Second inversion (C6/G): G, A, C and E. Third inversion (C6/A): A, C, E and G.
What is a major sixth chord?
A major sixth chord is a major chord plus the major sixth, 9 half steps above the root. C6 uses the same keys as A minor 7: the name depends on which note is heard as the root. All the notes of C6 are in C major, G major and F major.