E6 guitar chord
How to play E6 on guitar — the notes E, G♯, B, C♯, a shape you can tap to hear, the keys it lives in, and a progression to hear it in context. Free.
The shape
Tap the diagram to hear E6 strummed. E6 is played as a barre chord around fret 7: lay a finger across the strings at that fret and build the shape on top. Movable, so the same grip works up and down the neck.
The notes in E6
A major sixth chord is spelled from its root up: E (R), G♯ (3), B (5), C♯ (6). Those are the only notes in E6 — play them in any order, in any octave, and it's still E6.
What a major sixth chord is
In plain terms, a major 6th adds the sixth to a major chord (root, 3rd, 5th, 6th) — a sweeter, more vintage alternative to the major 7.
How it's used: A soft, finished-sounding tonic: many old standards end on a 6 chord instead of a plain major for a warmer button.
The sound: Warm, nostalgic, breezy — 'sunny vintage'. Where you'll hear it: Jazz standards, swing, surf, and final chords that want to smile.
Hear E6 in a progression
A warm I6–IV vamp — that added 6th is the vintage sweetness. Press play, and drag the Key control to move it anywhere.
Other E chords
major sixth chords on other roots
Chords and their spellings are shared facts of music theory. Every diagram and sound here is generated by ThunderFret's own engine — no tabs, lyrics or recordings are reproduced.
Open E6 in the interactive tool to see every place it sits on the neck, hear it, and find the shape that fits your hand — free.
See E6 on the fretboardFrequently asked
What notes are in E6?
E6 is made of 4 notes: E (the R), G♯ (the 3), B (the 5), C♯ (the 6).
How do you play E6 on guitar?
E6 is played as a barre chord around fret 7: lay a finger across the strings at that fret and build the shape on top. Movable, so the same grip works up and down the neck.
When would I use E6?
Jazz standards, swing, surf, and final chords that want to smile.