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G major 6th chord on piano

G6 is a major 6th chord built on G. It uses the notes G - B - D - E and sounds sweet and nostalgic, heard often in swing and old pop.

G major 6th chord keyboard diagram: G, B, D, EGBDE
Notes
G B D E
Formula
1 - 3 - 5 - 6
Right hand fingering
1 - 2 - 3 - 5
Left hand fingering
5 - 3 - 2 - 1
Chord symbol
G6

How to play G6 step by step

  1. Find G. G is the white key between the first and second black keys of the group of three.
  2. Add B, 4 half steps above G.
  3. Add D, 7 half steps above G.
  4. Add E, 9 half steps above G.
  5. 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.

G6 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.

G6 Root position: G, B, D, EGBDE
Root positionG - B - D - E
G6 1st inversion: B, D, E, GBDEG
1st inversionB - D - E - G
G6 2nd inversion: D, E, G, BDEGB
2nd inversionD - E - G - B
G6 3rd inversion: E, G, B, DEGBD
3rd inversionE - G - B - D

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the G major 6th chord?

The G major 6th chord (G6) contains 4 notes: G, B, D, E. Its formula is 1 - 3 - 5 - 6.

How do you play G6 on piano?

Put your right-hand thumb on G and play G, B, D, E together using fingers 1 - 2 - 3 - 5. With the left hand, use fingers 5 - 3 - 2 - 1.

Other G chords

Other major 6th chords