A6

Q: What notes are in the A6 chord?

The A6 chord (A 6th) contains: A, C#, E, F#. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build A6 on the keyboard?

Take the root and add the remaining chord tones following the interval formula. The highlight shows chord content, while the inversion control changes which chord tone is in the bass.

Q: Which keys is A6 found in?

The chord acts as a diatonic degree in several keys — they are marked on the circle of fifths in the "Harmonic context" block.

Q: What can I substitute for A6?

A substitution depends on harmonic function and voice leading, not only on shared tones. Computed options appear in the "Substitutions" block and should be checked in context.

A 6th

Octaves

Musical context

ChordA majorTriad

ChordA6A 6th

ArpeggioA majorBroken triad

ScaleA major7 notes

KeyA majorMajor key

ProgressionPop axisSequence

How the chord relates to the scale, mode, key and progression.

Theory

General info

Full name: A 6th
Symbol: A6
Root: A
Quality: 6th

Chord notes

1Aroot

3C#major 3rd

5Eperfect 5th

6F#major 6th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: VDominant (V)D major
Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions: DD Major EE Major F#mF# Minor
Main resolution: A6source
EE Major
Major chord A is a stable tonic. As tonic it doesn't require resolution, but in a progression context typically moves to IV or V.
Other resolutions: A6source
Deceptive resolution
F#mF# Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
A6source
Modal resolution
GG Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
A6source
Jazz reharmonization
Amaj7A Major 7
In jazz, a major chord is enriched to maj7, 6/9, or add9 and can smoothly transition into a ii-V of another key (modulation).
A6source
Functional resolution
EE Major
As the IV degree (subdominant), a major chord can resolve to V or directly to I (plagal cadence).

Features

Character: Major, with a major 6th and no 7th
Characteristic interval: Major 6th (M6)
Description: The major 6th extends a major triad without seventh-chord dissonance. The chord retains clear major quality and may serve a tonic function.
Application: Tonic chord in jazz and popular music
Endings on I6
5–6 voice leading

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1A(A4)Bass

root

v2C#(C#5)M3from A

v3E(E5)m3from C#

v4F#(F#5)M2from E

Harmony

Compatible scales

All chord tones are contained in these scales — use them for improvisation.

ScaleE Yo (Japanese)ScaleF# Minor pentatonic ScaleA Major pentatonic ScaleF# Blues scale ScaleC# Phrygian ScaleC# Aeolian (natural minor)ScaleC# Locrian ScaleC# Harmonic minor ScaleC# Neapolitan minor ScaleE Ionian (major)

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how A6 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: F#mF# minor
Dominant: EE major
Subdominant: DD major
Key signature: 3 sharps (F#, C#, G#)

What to learn next

ScaleA Ionian (major)Scale to improvise over this chord ChordA MajorA nearby chord on the same root — compare the sound PracticeChord trainerLock the fingering into muscle memory ProgressionChord progressionsHow this chord works inside real progressions ChordA Major 7Another related chord to practise

Recommended for you

A MajorA chord that sounds close

A Major 7A chord that sounds close

A Minor 6A chord that sounds close

A Ionian (major)A scale related to this chord

A LydianA scale related to this chord

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.

Open Trainer

Test yourself

(Press any key to start)

What notes are in the A6 chord?

How do I build A6 on the keyboard?

Which keys is A6 found in?

What can I substitute for A6?

A6