B major 6th chord on piano
B6 is a major 6th chord built on B. It uses the notes B - D♯ - F♯ - G♯ and sounds sweet and nostalgic, heard often in swing and old pop.
- Notes
- B D♯ F♯ G♯
- Formula
- 1 - 3 - 5 - 6
- Right hand fingering
- 1 - 2 - 3 - 5
- Left hand fingering
- 5 - 3 - 2 - 1
- Chord symbol
- B6
How to play B6 step by step
- Find B. B is the white key just right of each group of three black keys.
- Add D♯, 4 half steps above B.
- Add F♯, 7 half steps above B.
- Add G♯, 9 half steps above B.
- Press all 4 keys together with fingers 1 - 2 - 3 - 5 of your right hand. Keep your wrist level and let the weight of your arm do the work.
B6 inversions
An inversion uses the same notes in a different order. Inversions let your hand move less between chords, which is how pianists make chord changes sound smooth.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the B major 6th chord?
The B major 6th chord (B6) contains 4 notes: B, D♯, F♯, G♯. Its formula is 1 - 3 - 5 - 6.
How do you play B6 on piano?
Put your right-hand thumb on B and play B, D♯, F♯, G♯ together using fingers 1 - 2 - 3 - 5. With the left hand, use fingers 5 - 3 - 2 - 1.