Chord reference · four-note chord
Cm6 chord (C minor sixth)
For a quick answer, the notes in Cm6 are C, E♭, G, A. The diagrams below show the same pitch set on piano and guitar.
Cm6 chord notes and interval formula
The formula 1–♭3–5–6 means the chord is measured from C using the root, minor third, perfect fifth, and major sixth. In semitone numbers from the root, the pattern is 0–3–7–9.
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Root | 0 | C |
| ♭3 | Minor Third | 3 | E♭ |
| 5 | Perfect Fifth | 7 | G |
| 6 | Major Sixth | 9 | A |
How to play Cm6 on piano
Start with the notes in root position from low to high: C – E♭ – G – A. Right hand 1–2–3–5; left hand 5–3–2–1 is a useful starting point, but black-key combinations and melodic movement may make another fingering more comfortable.
For a cleaner accompaniment, place the root in the left hand and play the remaining tones in the right. With extended chords, keep the third and seventh because they identify the chord quality most clearly.
How to play Cm6 on guitar
Try the shape x-3-5-0-4-5 in standard tuning, read from low E to high E. The sounding-string details are: E mute; A fret 3: C; D fret 5: G; G open: G; B fret 4: E♭; E fret 5: A. Keep every note clear and release pressure from strings marked “x.”
This is one voicing, not the only correct shape. The chord remains Cm6 whenever the essential pitch classes are present; doubling, omission, and bass-note choice change the voicing rather than the basic chord name.
Cm6 inversions and slash chords
Inversions keep the same notes but place a different chord tone in the bass. They are useful for smoother bass lines, compact keyboard movement, and alternative guitar voicings.
| Position | Symbol | Notes low to high | Bass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root position | Cm6 | C – E♭ – G – A | C |
| 1st inversion | Cm6/Eb | E♭ – G – A – C | E♭ |
| 2nd inversion | Cm6/G | G – A – C – E♭ | G |
| 3rd inversion | Cm6/A | A – C – E♭ – G | A |
What Cm6 sounds like and where it fits
The C minor sixth chord is minor with a bright upper color. Minor sixth chords combine a minor triad with a natural sixth. They can sound wistful or cinematic and often appear as tonic minor colors.
Cm6 compared with similar chords
Small interval changes create different chord names. Use this table to avoid confusing Cm6 with nearby structures.
| Chord | Quality | Formula | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cm | Minor | 1–♭3–5 | C, E♭, G |
| Cm7 | Minor Seventh | 1–♭3–5–♭7 | C, E♭, G, B♭ |
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the Cm6 chord?
The Cm6 chord contains C, E♭, G, A. Its interval formula is 1–♭3–5–6.
How do you play Cm6 on piano?
Play C, E♭, G, A together. A practical root-position fingering is right hand 1–2–3–5; left hand 5–3–2–1; adjust the fingering to your hand and musical context.
How do you play Cm6 on guitar?
One compact standard-tuning shape is x-3-5-0-4-5 from the low E string to the high E string. An “x” means mute that string.
What does the symbol Cm6 mean?
The root is C. The suffix m6 identifies a minor sixth structure with the formula 1–♭3–5–6.
How many inversions does Cm6 have?
A 4-note chord has 4 closed-position arrangements when every chord tone is retained: root position plus 3 inversions. Extended practical voicings may omit notes.