E major 6th chord on piano
E6 is a major 6th chord built on E. It uses the notes E - G♯ - B - C♯ and sounds sweet and nostalgic, heard often in swing and old pop.
- Notes
- E G♯ B C♯
- Formula
- 1 - 3 - 5 - 6
- Right hand fingering
- 1 - 2 - 3 - 5
- Left hand fingering
- 5 - 3 - 2 - 1
- Chord symbol
- E6
How to play E6 step by step
- Find E. E is the white key just right of each group of two black keys.
- Add G♯, 4 half steps above E.
- Add B, 7 half steps above E.
- Add C♯, 9 half steps above E.
- 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.
E6 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 E major 6th chord?
The E major 6th chord (E6) contains 4 notes: E, G♯, B, C♯. Its formula is 1 - 3 - 5 - 6.
How do you play E6 on piano?
Put your right-hand thumb on E and play E, G♯, B, C♯ together using fingers 1 - 2 - 3 - 5. With the left hand, use fingers 5 - 3 - 2 - 1.