C♯ minor sixth (C♯m6) chord on piano

Minor sixth chord (a minor triad plus a major sixth) on C♯: the notes of the C♯m6 chord are C♯ – E – G♯ – A♯. The same chord with a different spelling: D♭ minor sixth (D♭m6).

Root position: C♯4 – E4 – G♯4 – A♯4

Chord finder Transposer

What the C♯m6 chord sounds like

A minor sixth chord is a minor triad with a major sixth: dark but taut, with a film-noir feel. It is a common minor tonic in gypsy jazz, tango and jazz.

Notes of the C♯m6 chord

Degree	Note	Interval from the root
1	C♯	root
3	E	minor third (3 semitones)
5	G♯	perfect fifth (7 semitones)
6	A♯	major sixth (9 semitones)

Root position and inversions

An inversion uses the same notes, with a different note at the bottom. When you change chords, choosing the nearest inversion keeps your hand almost still.

Root position

C♯4 – E4 – G♯4 – A♯4

1st inversion

E4 – G♯4 – A♯4 – C♯5

2nd inversion

G♯4 – A♯4 – C♯5 – E5

3rd inversion

A♯4 – C♯5 – E5 – G♯5

Which keys is it in?

The C♯m6 chord is built from the notes of these keys (for minor keys, both the natural and the harmonic minor are considered):

G♯ minor: iv6 (subdominant)
B major: ii6

Similar chords and substitutes

If C♯m6 is too hard, or you want a different colour in the same spot, these chords are worth a try.

Substitutes (by function)

E – relative major: two shared notes
A – the major chord a major third below: two shared notes
C♯m7 – a fuller, softer minor colour

Same notes

B♭m7b5 – the same notes with a different root

Simpler versions

C♯m – all 3 of its notes are in this chord

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the C♯m6 chord?

C♯, E, G♯, A♯. The root is C♯; the intervals of the other notes from the root: minor third, perfect fifth, major sixth.

How do I play the C♯m6 chord on piano?

In root position, the right hand usually plays with fingers 1, 3 and 5 (thumb, middle finger, little finger); four-note chords with fingers 1, 2, 3 and 5. The left hand mirrors this: 5, 3, 1. In an inversion the top or bottom note moves to the other side, so your hand moves less when you change chords.

How is the C♯m6 chord written?

The chord symbol is C♯m6 (also written C#m6), and its full name is C♯ minor sixth.