A#m6

Q: What notes are in the A#m6 chord?

The A#m6 chord (A# Minor 6) contains: A#, C#, E#, G. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build A#m6 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 A#m6 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 A#m6?

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# Minor 6

Octaves

Musical context

ChordA# minorTriad

ChordA#m6A# Minor 6

ArpeggioA# minorBroken triad

ScaleA# minor7 notes

KeyA# minorMinor key

ProgressionAndalusianSequence

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

Theory

General info

Full name: A# Minor 6
Symbol: A#m6
Root: A#
Quality: Minor 6

Chord notes

1A#root

b3C#minor 3rd

5E#perfect 5th

6Gmajor 6th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: iiSubdominant (ii)Ab major
Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as minor tonic
Most common resolutions: FF Major D#mD# Minor G#G# Major
Main resolution: A#m6source
FF Major
Minor chord A#m is a stable tonic in the minor key of the same root. Typical motion leads to the subdominant (iv) or dominant (V).
Other resolutions: A#m6source
Deceptive resolution
F#F# Major
A minor chord can unexpectedly move to the major chord on the bVI degree — a deceptive-resolution effect.
A#m6source
Modal resolution
G#G# Major
In Dorian and Aeolian modes, the minor chord is the tonic. Typical modal motion: i → bVII or i → iv.
A#m6source
Jazz reharmonization
D#7D# Dominant 7
In jazz, a minor chord often serves as ii in a ii-V-I progression. Its "resolution" is the dominant a 4th up.
A#m6source
Functional resolution
D#D# Major
As the vi degree in major, a minor chord can move to IV or ii, creating subdominant motion.

Features

Character: Minor, with a major 6th and no 7th
Characteristic interval: Major 6th (M6)
Description: The minor 3rd defines minor quality, while the major 6th distinguishes the chord from a natural-minor sonority with b6. Its intervals fit Dorian or melodic-minor contexts.
Application: Minor tonic in jazz
Dorian harmony
Melodic minor

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1A#(A#4)Bass

root

v2C#(C#5)m3from A#

v3E#(E#5)M3from C#

v4G(G5)M2from E#

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

ScaleA# Akebono (Japanese)ScaleG Blues scale ScaleC# Lydian ScaleC# Lydian augmented ScaleF Aeolian (natural minor)ScaleF Harmonic minor ScaleF Mixolydian ♭6 ScaleF Harmonic major ScaleG Locrian ScaleG Romanian minor

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how A#m6 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: GmG minor
Dominant: FF major
Subdominant: EbEb major
Key signature: 2 flats (Bb, Eb)

What to learn next

ScaleBb DorianScale to improvise over this chord ChordA# MinorA 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# Minor 7Another related chord to practise

Recommended for you

A# MinorA chord that sounds close

A# Minor 7A chord that sounds close

A# 6thA chord that sounds close

Bb DorianA scale related to this chord

Bb Chromatic scaleA 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 A#m6 chord?

How do I build A#m6 on the keyboard?

Which keys is A#m6 found in?

What can I substitute for A#m6?