A Minor 6th Guitar Chord — Open D
Guitar chord voicings in Open D tuning (D-A-D-F#-A-D)
A Minor 6th Voicings in Open D
A Minor 6th filtered by fret:
A Minor 6th in Open D Tuning — Guide
The A Minor 6th chord is made up of the following notes: A, C, E, F#.
Intervals: 1P, 3m, 5P, 6M.
The A Minor 6th chord in Open D tuning (D-A-D-F#-A-D) requires different fingerings than standard tuning.
A minor sixth combines a minor triad with a major sixth — notes A, C, E, F#, intervals 1P, 3m, 5P, 6M. This creates a bittersweet, sophisticated sound that is more complex than a plain minor chord. Minor sixths are essential in jazz standards, tango, and classic film noir soundtracks, offering an emotional nuance that blends sadness with a hint of elegance and sophistication.
How to Play A Minor 6th
On guitar, A m6 typically requires a barre or partial barre voicing. Experiment with different positions to find the voicing that best suits your playing context — higher positions sound brighter and tighter, while lower positions offer more bass and resonance. CAGED system shapes help navigate these options efficiently.
A Minor 6th in Progressions
A minor sixth typically functions as a tonic minor chord in jazz, substituting for A minor seventh. It is essential in minor-key jazz standards and Latin music, providing more character than a plain minor triad.
Common Substitutions
Am7, F#m7b5, or Am6/9 all work well, each offering a slightly different flavor of minor sophistication.
Difficulty: On guitar, this chord is intermediate — a barre or partial barre is likely needed, but the shape is manageable with practice.