The E6 guitar chord (E sixth) is a versatile and bright chord that adds a jazzy or bluesy flair to your playing. It’s often used in jazz, rock, blues, and pop, adding a touch of sophistication to chord progressions. In this guide, we’ll dive into what the E6 chord is, how to play it, and tips for mastering it.
1. What is an E6 Guitar Chord?
The E6 chord is a major chord with an added sixth note. It combines the E major triad (E, G#, B) with the sixth note of the E major scale (C#). This added note gives the chord a bright, open, and jazzy sound.
E6 Chord Formula:
- Root (E)
- Major third (G#)
- Perfect fifth (B)
- Major sixth (C#)
This creates a richer, more complex sound than a standard major chord while retaining a bright tonality.
2. How to Play the E6 Guitar Chord
Here are a couple of ways to play the E6 chord on the guitar:
E6 Open Position:
- Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the G string (3rd string).
- Leave the D string (4th string) open.
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A string (5th string).
- Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the D string (4th string).
- Strum all six strings to get the full, bright sound of the E6 chord.
This is the simplest and most common way to play E6, using the open strings to produce a rich sound.
E6 Barre Chord (7th Fret):
- Barre your index finger across all six strings on the 7th fret.
- Place your middle finger on the 8th fret of the B string (2nd string).
- Place your ring finger on the 9th fret of the A string (5th string).
- Strum all six strings for a fuller, more powerful E6 chord.
The barre chord version of E6 provides a stronger, more dynamic sound and is ideal for more advanced players.
Strumming Tips:
- Experiment with light, jazzy strumming or fingerpicking to bring out the harmonic richness of the E6 chord.
- The open version works well for softer, more melodic passages, while the barre chord version is ideal for punchier, louder playing.
3. Video Tutorial
For a visual guide on how to play the E6 chord, check out this Video Tutorial on the E6 Chord. It covers different versions and playing techniques.
4. Common Mistakes and Tips for Playing the E6 Guitar Chord
Common Mistakes:
- Muted strings: Make sure your fingers are pressing down correctly to avoid muted strings, especially in the barre version.
- Wrong finger placement: It’s easy to misplace fingers on adjacent strings when learning new chords like E6, so take your time to position them properly.
- Strumming too hard: The E6 chord has a smooth, jazzy sound, so avoid strumming too aggressively unless you’re going for a specific effect.
Tips for Playing the E6 Chord:
- Check each note: Play each string individually to make sure all the notes are ringing out clearly.
- Focus on smooth transitions: Practice transitioning between E6 and other chords, like E major or A7, to improve fluidity.
- Use dynamics: Light strumming or fingerpicking can bring out the subtle, jazzy qualities of the chord.
5. E6 Chord Variations
Here are some variations of the E6 chord:
- E6 Barre Chord (12th Fret): You can also play an E6 chord higher up the fretboard, barring on the 12th fret for a brighter sound.
- E9: Add the ninth (F#) to the chord to create an even more complex and rich sound, great for jazz and blues.
6. Chord Progressions and Songs Featuring the E6 Guitar Chord
Common Chord Progressions:
- E6 – A6 – B7: A classic blues progression that adds a sixth to both E and A, creating a jazzy, bluesy sound.
- E6 – G#m7 – C#m7 – F#7: A progression often found in jazz or R&B, where E6 adds a lush, colorful feel.
- E6 – Amaj7 – Dmaj7 – G#m7: A smooth, mellow progression perfect for creating an ambient sound.
Songs Featuring the E6 Chord:
- “Drive My Car” by The Beatles: Uses E6 to add brightness and energy to the progression.
- “No Woman, No Cry” by Bob Marley: Incorporates E6 to create a laid-back, reggae vibe.
- “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison: The E6 chord adds a rich harmonic layer to the song’s feel-good chord progression.
7. Tips for Practicing the E6 Guitar Chord
- Work on smooth transitions: Practice moving from E6 to chords like A or B7, as these are common in blues and jazz progressions.
- Start slow: Focus on proper finger positioning and strumming slowly at first, especially for barre chord versions.
- Experiment with rhythm: E6 lends itself well to varied strumming patterns, so try alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes.
8. Related Chords to E6 Guitar Chord
Here are some related chords that pair well with the E6 chord:
- A6: Another sixth chord that works well in blues or jazz progressions with E6.
- Emaj7: A major seventh chord that can be used as a substitute or companion to E6 in jazz or ballads.
- C#m7: A minor seventh chord that complements E6 in pop or R&B progressions.
The E6 guitar chord is a beautiful, versatile chord that adds depth and brightness to your playing. It’s a great chord to use in blues, jazz, and pop, offering a distinct and flavorful sound. Whether you’re playing the open or barre version, practicing this chord will expand your musical palette and give you new ways to explore harmony. Happy playing!