D major 6th chord on piano
D6 is a major 6th chord built on D. It uses the notes D - F♯ - A - B and sounds sweet and nostalgic, heard often in swing and old pop.
- Notes
- D F♯ A B
- Formula
- 1 - 3 - 5 - 6
- Right hand fingering
- 1 - 2 - 3 - 5
- Left hand fingering
- 5 - 3 - 2 - 1
- Chord symbol
- D6
How to play D6 step by step
- Find D. D is the white key between the two black keys.
- Add F♯, 4 half steps above D.
- Add A, 7 half steps above D.
- Add B, 9 half steps above D.
- 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.
D6 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 D major 6th chord?
The D major 6th chord (D6) contains 4 notes: D, F♯, A, B. Its formula is 1 - 3 - 5 - 6.
How do you play D6 on piano?
Put your right-hand thumb on D and play D, F♯, A, B together using fingers 1 - 2 - 3 - 5. With the left hand, use fingers 5 - 3 - 2 - 1.