A6 Chord on Guitar: Unlock Its Melancholic Sound & How to Play It

What is the A6 Chord?

The A6 chord, often pronounced as “A sixth,” is essentially an A major chord with an added sixth note of the A major scale. This added note enriches the standard A major sound, giving it a more complex and sophisticated character. The result is a chord that evokes a range of emotions, from introspection and longing to a gentle, dreamy quality. Its versatility makes it a valuable addition to any guitarist’s chord vocabulary, lending itself beautifully to genres like jazz, soul, and R&B, where nuanced harmonies are highly valued. Think of the smooth, jazzy feel of “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder – the A6 chord is key to creating that atmosphere.

Standard A6 Chord Finger Position

The most common way to play the A6 chord on guitar is using a barre chord shape. This position, rooted on the 5th fret, provides a full and resonant sound. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get your fingers in the right place:

1. Barre at the 5th Fret: Use your index finger to press down all six strings across the 5th fret. Ensure each string rings out clearly.
2. Ring Finger on the 7th Fret of the D String: Place your ring finger on the 7th fret of the 4th string (D string).
3. 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 in a smooth, even motion. Listen for a clear and ringing A6 chord sound. If any strings buzz or are muted, adjust your finger pressure and placement until each note resonates properly.

Easy A6 Chord for Beginners

If barre chords are still challenging, especially for beginner guitarists, there’s a simpler version of the A6 chord you can learn first. This easier A6 chord is derived from the open A major chord shape and is a great way to introduce yourself to the sound of the A6.

To play this easy A6 chord:

1. Start by playing a standard A major chord.
2. Add your pinky finger to the 3rd fret of the 2nd string (B string).

This modification adds the sixth note to the A major chord, creating a basic A6 sound without the need for a full barre. It’s a fantastic starting point for getting familiar with the A6 chord’s unique flavor before tackling the barre chord version.

A6 Barre Chord (Fuller Sound)

For a richer and more powerful A6 chord sound, the barre chord version is the way to go. While the standard barre chord A6 (described earlier) is common, there’s another barre chord voicing that offers a slightly different tonal quality.

Here’s how to play this alternative A6 barre chord:

1. Barre at the 5th Fret: Again, your index finger bars all six strings at the 5th fret.
2. Middle Finger on the 6th Fret of the G String: Place your middle finger on the 6th fret of the 3rd string (G string).
3. Ring Finger on the 7th Fret of the A String: Position your ring finger on the 7th fret of the 5th string (A string).
4. Pinky Finger on the 7th Fret of the D String: Place your pinky finger on the 7th fret of the 4th string (D string).
5. Strum all six strings: Strum downwards from the low E string to the high E string.

This barre chord voicing provides a slightly different distribution of notes within the A6 chord, resulting in a subtly altered but equally compelling sound. Experiment with both barre chord versions to see which one you prefer or which best suits the musical context.

A6 Chord Progressions to Inspire

The A6 chord’s inherent melancholic and dreamy character makes it a powerful tool for evoking specific emotions within chord progressions. It often creates a sense of longing, introspection, or gentle reflection. Here are some common and effective chord progressions that feature the A6 chord:

• vi – IV – I – V (A6 – F – C – G): This progression is famously used in “All of Me” by John Legend and also appears in “Let It Be” by The Beatles. The A6 chord (vi) sets a slightly minor, reflective tone that resolves beautifully to the I chord.
• vi – V – IV – V (A6 – G – F – G): This variation offers a cyclical feel, with the A6 adding a touch of yearning before moving through the V and IV chords and returning to the V.
• vi – iii – IV – V (A6 – Em – F – G): Replacing the V with the iii (Em in the key of C) provides a softer, more introspective feel before the resolution to the IV and V.
• vi – ii – V – I (A6 – Dm – G – C): A classic jazz-influenced progression where the A6 adds a sophisticated harmonic color.
• vi – IV – V – iii (A6 – F – G – Em): This progression ends on the iii chord, creating a sense of unresolved tension and a slightly melancholic or thoughtful conclusion.

Experiment with these progressions to understand how the A6 chord functions within different harmonic contexts and to inspire your own songwriting or improvisations.

Practice Drills for Mastering the A6 Chord

Consistent practice is key to smoothly playing and confidently using the A6 chord. Here are a couple of effective drills to help you master it:

• Note-by-Note Clarity Drill: Focus on the individual notes of the A6 chord (A, C#, E, and F#). Play each note separately, ensuring each one rings out clearly and cleanly. Once comfortable, slowly transition between each note in a steady rhythm, gradually increasing your speed while maintaining clarity.
• Rhythmic Strumming Drill: Practice strumming the full A6 chord while varying your rhythmic patterns. Start with simple quarter notes, then move to eighth notes, and then try triplets. This drill will develop your muscle memory and improve your timing and coordination when playing the A6 chord in different musical situations.

Songs Featuring the A6 Chord: Expand Your Repertoire

Learning songs that utilize the A6 chord is a fun and practical way to incorporate it into your playing and understand its musical application. Here are 10 popular songs that feature the A6 chord:

1. Dreams by Fleetwood Mac (Chords: F, G, A6)
2. Fast Car by Tracy Chapman (Chords: G, D, C, Em7, D/F#, A6)
3. Landslide by Fleetwood Mac (Chords: C, G, Am7, G/B, A6)
4. Wonderwall by Oasis (Chords: Em7, G, D, A6)
5. Hey There Delilah by Plain White T’s (Chords: D, F#m, A6, Bm)
6. Riptide by Vance Joy (Chords: Am, G, C, A6)
7. Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) by Green Day (Chords: G, C, D, Em7, A6)
8. Hey Soul Sister by Train (Chords: C, G, Am7, F, A6)
9. I’m Yours by Jason Mraz (Chords: C, G, Am7, F, A6)
10. Sunny Came Home by Shawn Colvin (Chords: Am7, Dsus2, Cmaj7, Fmaj7, A6)

Learning these songs will not only help you master the A6 chord but also expose you to diverse musical styles and chord progressions where this versatile chord shines.

How a Guitar Teacher Can Help

If you’re finding it challenging to master the A6 chord or want to deepen your understanding of guitar playing in general, consider seeking guidance from a qualified guitar teacher. Personalized guitar lessons offer invaluable benefits, providing you with expert feedback, tailored instruction, and motivation to reach your guitar goals faster and more effectively.

Online guitar lessons, like those available on platforms like Til, provide access to top-tier guitar instructors from around the world, all from the comfort of your own home. With flexible scheduling, secure payment options, lesson recordings for review, and direct communication with your teacher, online lessons offer a convenient and highly effective way to accelerate your guitar learning journey. Explore expert guitar teachers today and take your playing to the next level.