The A6 guitar chord, often referred to as A sixth, is a captivating chord that adds a layer of sophistication and depth to your guitar playing. Recognizable in iconic songs like Oasis’ “Live Forever,” the A6 chord offers a richer, more nuanced sound compared to the standard A major chord. This guide will take you through everything you need to know to play the A6 chord confidently, from basic finger positions to incorporating it into chord progressions and songs.
Understanding the A6 Chord
The A6 chord is built upon the foundation of an A major chord but with an added sixth interval. This additional note infuses the chord with a unique character, often described as dreamy, slightly jazzy, or even melancholic. Musically, the A6 chord is composed of the following notes:
- Root: A
- Major Third: C#
- Perfect Fifth: E
- Sixth: F#
This combination of notes creates a beautiful and versatile chord that is frequently utilized across various genres, including jazz, blues, folk, and pop music. You’ll find it adding color to the compositions of artists like Stevie Wonder and Fleetwood Mac, showcasing its broad appeal and applicability.
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Easy Ways to Finger the A6 Chord
There are several ways to play the A6 chord on the guitar, catering to different skill levels and preferences. Let’s explore some of the most common and effective methods:
Standard A6 Chord Shape
This is perhaps the most frequently used voicing of the A6 chord and is played as a barre chord. While it might require some initial finger strength, mastering this shape unlocks a full and resonant A6 sound.
Here’s how to form the standard A6 chord:
- Barre at the 5th Fret: Use your index finger to barre across all six strings at the 5th fret. Ensure each string is pressed down cleanly to avoid buzzing.
- Ring Finger on the 7th Fret of the D String: Place your ring finger on the 7th fret of the 4th string (D string).
- Pinky Finger on the 7th Fret of the G String: Position your pinky finger on the 7th fret of the 3rd string (G string).
Once your fingers are correctly placed, strum all six strings downwards smoothly. Listen for a clear and ringing A6 chord. Adjust your finger pressure if any strings are muted or buzzing.
Simplified A6 Chord for Beginners
If barre chords are still challenging, there’s a simpler version of the A6 chord that beginners can easily grasp. This voicing omits the barre and focuses on a smaller section of the fretboard.
To play the easy A6 chord:
- Play a Standard A Major Chord: Begin by forming a standard open A major chord. If you’re unfamiliar, this typically involves:
- Index finger: 2nd fret of the D string (4th string)
- Middle finger: 2nd fret of the G string (3rd string)
- Ring finger: 2nd fret of the B string (2nd string)
- Add the Sixth with Your Pinky: Extend your pinky finger to the 3rd fret of the B string (2nd string). This added note transforms the A major chord into an A6.
Strum the top four strings (D, G, B, and high E strings) to play this simplified A6 chord. This version is excellent for practicing the A6 sound without the barre chord difficulty.
A6 Barre Chord Variation
For a fuller, richer A6 sound and to build barre chord proficiency, the A6 barre chord variation is a great option. This shape is also movable up and down the neck, allowing you to play different sixth chords.
Here’s how to play the A6 barre chord variation:
- Barre at the 5th Fret: Again, start with a barre across all six strings at the 5th fret using your index finger.
- Middle Finger on the 6th Fret of the G String: Place your middle finger on the 6th fret of the 3rd string (G string).
- Ring Finger on the 7th Fret of the A String: Position your ring finger on the 7th fret of the 5th string (A string).
- Pinky Finger on the 7th Fret of the D String: Place your pinky finger on the 7th fret of the 4th string (D string).
Strum all six strings. This barre chord variation provides a robust and sonorous A6 chord, ideal for rhythm playing and chord melodies.
Using the A6 Chord in Progressions
The A6 chord’s distinctive sound makes it a valuable asset in chord progressions. Its slightly melancholic yet hopeful quality can evoke a range of emotions. Here are some common and effective chord progressions that incorporate the A6:
- A6 – F – C – G: A classic progression found in songs like “All of Me” by John Legend and reminiscent of “Let It Be” by The Beatles. This progression creates a pleasing and familiar harmonic movement.
- A6 – G – F – G: This progression offers a slightly more cyclical feel, with the G chord acting as a resolution point.
- A6 – Em – F – G: Introducing the Em (E minor) chord adds a touch of minor tonality, creating a more complex and emotionally nuanced progression.
- A6 – Dm – G – C: This progression moves towards the C major chord, providing a strong sense of resolution and completion.
- A6 – F – G – Em: Ending on the Em chord creates a sense of lingering emotion and openness, rather than a definitive resolution.
Experiment with these progressions and listen to how the A6 chord interacts with other chords. Try transposing these progressions to different keys to further explore the A6 chord’s versatility.
Practice Drills for A6 Chord Mastery
Consistent practice is key to mastering any guitar chord. Here are some drills specifically designed to help you become proficient with the A6 chord:
- Individual Note Practice: Play each note of the A6 chord (A, C#, E, F#) individually. Focus on producing a clear and distinct tone for each note.
- Slow Transitions: Practice switching between the A6 chord and other chords you know well, such as A major, D major, or E major. Start slowly and gradually increase your speed as your finger memory improves.
- Rhythmic Strumming: Strum the A6 chord using various rhythmic patterns, including quarter notes, eighth notes, and sixteenth notes. Experiment with different strumming styles and dynamics.
- Chord Progression Practice: Play the A6 chord progressions listed above repeatedly. Focus on smooth transitions between chords and maintaining a steady tempo.
Regularly incorporating these drills into your practice routine will build muscle memory, improve your chord transitions, and enhance your overall A6 chord playing ability.
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Songs Featuring the A6 Chord
Learning songs that incorporate the A6 chord is a fun and practical way to apply your new skills. Here are ten popular songs that feature the A6 chord:
- Dreams by Fleetwood Mac (F, G, A6)
- Fast Car by Tracy Chapman (G, D, C, Em7, D/F#, A6)
- Landslide by Fleetwood Mac (C, G, Am7, G/B, A6)
- Wonderwall by Oasis (Em7, G, D, A6)
- Hey There Delilah by Plain White T’s (D, F#m, A6, Bm)
- Riptide by Vance Joy (Am, G, C, A6)
- Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) by Green Day (G, C, D, Em7, A6)
- Hey Soul Sister by Train (C, G, Am7, F, A6)
- I’m Yours by Jason Mraz (C, G, Am7, F, A6)
- Sunny Came Home by Shawn Colvin (Am7, Dsus2, Cmaj7, Fmaj7, A6)
Learning to play these songs will not only solidify your understanding of the A6 chord but also expand your musical repertoire and appreciation for its use in popular music.
The Value of a Guitar Teacher
While online resources are invaluable, personalized guidance from a guitar teacher can significantly accelerate your learning process. A skilled instructor can provide tailored feedback on your technique, address specific challenges you may be facing, and offer customized practice plans to help you reach your guitar goals faster.
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