Learn everything you need to know about the Fm6 guitar chord with this detailed guide. Discover how to play the chord in both open and barre positions, practice tips, common mistakes, and more to master this beautiful minor chord with the added 6th note
What is an Fm6 Guitar Chord?
The Fm6 guitar chord is a minor chord with a twist. It is a variation of the Fm (F minor) chord but includes the 6th note (D) from the F minor scale. In a typical minor chord, the notes consist of the root (F), minor third (Ab), and perfect fifth (C). By adding the sixth (D), we get the Fm6 chord, giving it a richer, more sophisticated sound. This chord is commonly used in jazz, blues, and some classical pieces, and it adds emotional depth to progressions.
In musical terms, Fm6 consists of the notes F, Ab, C, and D. The D note adds a unique flavor, softening the minor tonality while still maintaining a melancholic feel.
How to Play the Fm6 Guitar Chord
To play the Fm6 chord, here’s a step-by-step guide for both the open position and barre chord variations:
Open Position Fm6:
- Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the low E string (F note).
- Place your middle finger on the 1st fret of the B string (C note).
- Place your ring finger on the 1st fret of the D string (Ab note).
- Place your pinky finger on the 3rd fret of the G string (D note).
- Strum from the low E string to the high B string, ensuring that each note rings clearly.
Barre Chord Fm6 (Root on 6th String):
- Barre all six strings at the 1st fret with your index finger.
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string (D note).
- Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string (C note).
- Place your pinky finger on the 3rd fret of the D string (Ab note).
- Strum all six strings, focusing on making sure the F note rings clearly on the low E string.
Strumming Tips:
- If you’re playing the open position, make sure the low E string and A string are muted properly.
- In the barre chord form, focus on getting a clear sound from all the notes, particularly the D (6th) note.
- Strum slowly at first to ensure clarity from every string.
Video Tutorial
For a visual step-by-step guide on how to play the Fm6 guitar chord, check out this video tutorial. It provides a closer look at finger placement, chord variations, and common mistakes to avoid.
Common Mistakes and Tips for Playing the Fm6 Guitar Chord
Common Mistakes:
- Muted Strings: It’s easy to accidentally mute the A string or other strings when barring. Practice ensuring that your barre finger is pressing firmly without touching the adjacent strings.
- Buzzing Notes: Buzzing can occur if the fingers aren’t pressing down enough on the frets. Apply even pressure and try not to over-press.
- Strumming the Wrong Strings: Be mindful of which strings you are strumming, particularly when playing the open Fm6, where you should avoid the A string.
- Not Muting the A String in Barre Form: The A string should be muted when playing barre chords, as the root note (F) is on the low E string.
Tips for Playing the Fm6 Guitar Chord:
- Finger Pressure: For both open and barre versions, focus on applying even pressure to the strings, particularly on the 1st fret for clean, clear sounds.
- Work on Finger Independence: The Fm6 requires finger independence, particularly when playing the open position. Practice isolating each finger to ensure clean notes.
- Use a Metronome: When transitioning between Fm6 and other chords, use a metronome to stay in rhythm and master the changes smoothly.
Fm6 Chord Variations
While the Fm6 is typically played in its basic form, you can also experiment with different voicings and inversions, depending on the musical context:
- Fm6 Inversion: To add more variety, you can play an inversion of the Fm6 chord, where the root (F) is placed elsewhere on the fretboard. For instance, you can move the F note up to the 8th fret, adjusting the other notes to form a new shape.
- Alternative Voicing: Instead of barring the chord on the 1st fret, try playing the chord with different finger placements higher up on the fretboard to create unique voicings.
Chord Progressions and Songs Featuring the Fm6 Guitar Chord
Common Chord Progressions:
- Fm6 – Bb7 – Abmaj7: This is a classic progression in jazz and soul music, where the Fm6 provides a smooth, emotional touch.
- Fm6 – Dm7 – G7 – Cmaj7: A ii-V-I progression that utilizes Fm6 as a minor ii chord, creating tension that resolves naturally.
- Fm6 – C7 – Fm6: A progression often used in blues and jazz, giving the Fm6 chord a chance to shine with its melancholic tone.
Songs Featuring the Fm6 Chord:
- “Autumn Leaves”: This jazz standard often uses Fm6 in the chord progression, adding a rich, bittersweet texture.
- “Blue in Green” by Miles Davis: The Fm6 chord is used in the turnarounds and to create subtle harmonic tension.
- “Just the Two of Us” by Bill Withers: This R&B classic utilizes the Fm6 chord in parts of the bridge to give a smooth, emotional feel.
Tips for Practicing the Fm6 Guitar Chord
- Practice with Chord Transitions: Use Fm6 in common chord progressions. For example, practice moving from Fm6 to C7, Bbmaj7, or Abmaj7 to get comfortable with the movement.
- Start Slow: Begin practicing slowly to get each note clear. Speed up gradually once you’re confident with your finger placement and transitions.
- Use Arpeggios: Practice the Fm6 chord with arpeggios to hear each note distinctly and understand how it fits into a musical context.
- Play Along with Songs: Try playing along with songs that feature Fm6, paying attention to how the chord fits within a musical piece.
Related Chords to the Fm6 Guitar Chord
- Fm: The basic F minor chord is the foundation of the Fm6 chord. It’s good to practice both together to understand the contrast.
- Fm7: A minor seventh chord with a slightly more complex sound, often used interchangeably with Fm6 in some progressions.
- Fmaj7: The major version of the F chord, which can provide contrast when switching between minor and major chords.
- Cm6: Another minor sixth chord, but based on the C root. It shares a similar feel with the Fm6 chord but is based on a different root.
By following these detailed steps and tips, you’ll be able to master the Fm6 guitar chord in no time. Whether you’re working on jazz, blues, or just want to add complexity to your playing, the Fm6 chord is an essential addition to your guitar toolkit!