The A6 guitar chord is a simple yet beautiful chord that can be used in various genres, including pop, rock, jazz, and folk. It offers a bright, open sound and is great for adding some flavor to your chord progressions. The A6 chord consists of the A major chord (A) with the addition of the 6th note (F#), which gives it a sweet and airy feel.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to play the A6 chord, its variations, and how you can incorporate it into your music.
What is the A6 Guitar Chord?
The A6 chord is made up of the following notes:
- A (the root note)
- C# (the major third)
- E (the perfect fifth)
- F# (the major sixth)
The addition of the F# to the standard A major chord creates a soft, dreamy tone that can be used to enhance the mood of a song. It is commonly used in blues, folk, and pop music.
How to Play the A6 Guitar Chord
Open Position (Basic A6 Chord)
Here’s the simplest way to play the A6 chord in the open position:
- Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string (D string).
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd string (G string).
- Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the 2nd string (B string).
- Let the A string (5th string) ring open.
- Strum from the 5th string (A string) to the high E string (1st string).
This version of the A6 chord is easy to play and gives you the pure, open sound that’s characteristic of this chord.
A6 Variations and Alternate Shapes
A6 (Barre Chord)
Once you’re familiar with the open position, try playing the A6 chord as a barre chord for a fuller sound:
- Barre all strings at the 5th fret with your index finger.
- Place your ring finger on the 7th fret of the 4th string (D string).
- Place your pinky finger on the 7th fret of the 2nd string (B string).
- Strum all six strings for a more powerful and resonant sound.
A6 (Higher Position)
For a higher-pitched version of the A6 chord:
- Barre the top five strings at the 12th fret with your index finger.
- Place your middle finger on the 14th fret of the 4th string (D string).
- Strum from the 5th string to the high E string for a bright, higher-pitched sound.
Video Tutorial A6 Guitar Chord
For visual learners, a step-by-step video tutorial can make mastering the A6 Guitar Chord much easier. Here’s a helpful guide for you:
Common Chord Progressions Using A6
The A6 chord is often used in progressions where you need a more mellow and open sound. Some common progressions include:
- A6 – D – E (Simple progression, great for pop and rock)
- A6 – F#m – D – E (Folk progression)
- A6 – G – A (Country or blues progression)
Popular Songs Featuring the A6 Chord
The A6 chord has appeared in various well-known songs, adding depth and flavor to the music. Some songs that feature the A6 chord are:
- “Every Breath You Take” by The Police
- “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton
- “A Horse with No Name” by America
Tips for Practicing the A6 Chord
Beginner Tips:
- Ensure clarity: Make sure that each string rings clearly. Focus on not muting any strings unintentionally, especially the open A string.
- Proper finger placement: Press down firmly on the strings to avoid buzzing or muted notes.
- Strumming practice: Be careful not to strum the low E string when playing the open A6 chord.
Advanced Tips:
- Explore barre chord shapes: Practice the barre chord version of A6 to expand your range and get a more powerful sound.
- Use fingerpicking: Experiment with fingerpicking to create a more intricate, delicate sound with the A6 chord.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Muted Strings: Ensure that none of the strings are muted accidentally. Keep your fingers arched correctly so that each string rings out clearly.
- Incorrect Barre Technique: If you’re playing a barre chord version of A6, make sure you press down evenly with your index finger to avoid buzzing or muted strings.
- Strumming the Low E String: Avoid strumming the low E string (6th string) when playing the open A6 chord.
Related Chords to A6
- A: The basic A major chord, which resolves nicely from A6.
- D: Often used in progressions alongside A6.
- Amaj7: A major seventh chord that adds a more complex flavor when used after A6.
- F#m: The relative minor of A major, frequently used in progressions that include A6.
Conclusion
The A6 guitar chord is a wonderful chord that adds a touch of brightness and depth to your playing. It is easy to play in the open position and can be expanded into more complex shapes as you progress on the guitar. Whether you are a beginner or advanced guitarist, incorporating the A6 chord into your playing will open up new musical possibilities.
Keep practicing, explore different voicings, and enjoy the mellow, uplifting sound of the A6 chord!