The Am6 guitar chord is a variation of the A minor chord, with the addition of the 6th note (F#), which gives it a unique, slightly jazzy, yet melancholic sound. It’s a versatile chord that can be used in a variety of genres, including jazz, blues, rock, and classical music. Adding the 6th to the minor chord creates a rich harmonic flavor, making it a great choice for adding depth to your chord progressions.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to play the Am6 chord, its variations, and how to incorporate it into your music.
What is the Am6 Guitar Chord?
The Am6 chord is built from the following notes:
- A (the root note)
- C (the minor third)
- E (the perfect fifth)
- F# (the major sixth)
The addition of F# gives the A minor chord a softer, more colorful sound compared to the standard minor chord. This makes the Am6 chord ideal for creating tension or adding a unique flavor to your chord progressions.
How to Play the Am6 Guitar Chord
Open Position (Basic Am6 Chord)
The simplest way to play the Am6 chord is in the open position. Here’s how you can do it:
- Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd string (B string).
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string (D string).
- Let the A string (5th string) ring open.
- Let the low E string (6th string) be muted or not played.
- Strum from the 5th string (A string) to the high E string (1st string).
This version of Am6 is a simple and quick way to get started with this chord. The F# (the 6th) is produced by your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string.
Am6 Variations and Alternate Shapes
Am6 (Barre Chord Shape)
To get a more powerful sound, try playing the Am6 chord as a barre chord:
- Barre all six strings at the 5th fret with your index finger.
- Place your middle finger on the 6th fret of the 4th string (D string).
- Strum all six strings, letting the notes ring out clearly.
This barre chord version of Am6 is great for playing in higher positions on the neck and allows you to use it in various progressions.
Am6 (Higher Position)
You can also play Am6 in a higher position on the neck for a brighter sound:
- Barre the top five strings at the 12th fret with your index finger.
- Place your ring finger on the 14th fret of the 4th string (D string).
- Strum from the 5th string to the high E string for a higher-pitched version of the Am6 chord.
Video Tutorial Am6 Guitar Chord
For visual learners, a step-by-step video tutorial can make mastering the Am6 Guitar Chord much easier. Here’s a helpful guide for you:
Common Chord Progressions Using Am6
The Am6 chord can be used in a variety of progressions. Here are some common ones:
- Am6 – Dm7 – G7 (Jazz-inspired progression)
- Am6 – C – G – Dm (Pop or folk progression)
- Am6 – F – G – Am (Blues or rock progression)
Popular Songs Featuring the Am6 Chord
The Am6 chord is used in many songs across different genres. Here are a few examples of songs that feature this chord:
- “Norwegian Wood” by The Beatles (Use of minor 6th chord adds depth)
- “Black Orpheus” by Luiz Bonfá (A jazz standard where Am6 adds harmonic richness)
- “Creep” by Radiohead (Am6 adds a unique emotional flavor to the progression)
Tips for Practicing the Am6 Chord
Beginner Tips:
- Focus on clarity: Ensure all the strings ring clearly and avoid muting any notes, especially the open A string.
- Finger placement: Press down firmly on the frets, particularly the 1st fret on the B string, to avoid muted notes.
- Strumming practice: Be mindful not to strum the low E string when playing the open position Am6 chord.
Advanced Tips:
- Try barre chords: Experiment with the barre chord versions of Am6 to expand your range and incorporate it into more complex progressions.
- Incorporate fingerpicking: Using fingerpicking will allow you to isolate the notes of the Am6 chord, giving it a more delicate, jazzy texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Muted Strings: Make sure your fingers are arched properly to prevent muting strings that should be ringing out, especially when playing barre chord versions.
- Incorrect Barre Technique: If you are playing a barre chord version of Am6, ensure your index finger is pressing down evenly across all strings to avoid buzzing or muted strings.
- Strumming the Low E String: When playing the open position Am6 chord, avoid strumming the low E string as it’s not part of the chord.
Related Chords to Am6
If you like the sound of the Am6 chord, you might also want to try these related chords:
- Am: The basic A minor chord, which forms the basis for Am6.
- Am7: The A minor 7 chord, which adds another layer of complexity to the minor sound.
- D7: A dominant seventh chord, often used in progressions with minor 6th chords for tension and resolution.
- Em: A minor chord that shares the same natural notes as Am, often used in progressions with Am6.
Conclusion
The Am6 guitar chord is a beautiful and versatile chord that adds a rich, jazzy flavor to your playing. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced guitarist, incorporating the Am6 chord into your music will provide new harmonic possibilities and fresh ideas for your chord progressions.
With practice, you’ll master the open and barre versions of the Am6 chord and be able to use it in a variety of musical genres. Keep experimenting and enjoy the emotional depth this chord can bring to your sound!