C#6

Q: What notes are in the C#6 chord?

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

Q: How do I build C#6 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 C#6 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 C#6?

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.

C# 6th

Octaves

Musical context

ChordC# majorTriad

ChordC#6C# 6th

ArpeggioC# majorBroken triad

ScaleC# major7 notes

KeyC# majorMajor key

ProgressionPop axisSequence

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

Theory

General info

Full name: C# 6th
Symbol: C#6
Root: C#
Quality: 6th

Chord notes

1C#root

3E#major 3rd

5G#perfect 5th

6A#major 6th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: ITonic (I)C# major
Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions: F#F# Major G#G# Major A#mA# Minor
Main resolution: C#6source
G#G# Major
Major chord C# is a stable tonic. As tonic it doesn't require resolution, but in a progression context typically moves to IV or V.
Other resolutions: C#6source
Deceptive resolution
A#mA# Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
C#6source
Modal resolution
BB Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
C#6source
Jazz reharmonization
C#maj7C# 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).
C#6source
Functional resolution
G#G# 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

v1C#(C#4)Bass

root

v2E#(E#4)M3from C#

v3G#(G#4)m3from E#

v4A#(A#4)M2from G#

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

ScaleC# Major pentatonic ScaleG# Yo (Japanese)ScaleA# Minor pentatonic ScaleA# Blues scale ScaleC# Ionian (major)ScaleC# Lydian ScaleC# Mixolydian ScaleF Phrygian ScaleF Aeolian (natural minor)ScaleF Locrian

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how C#6 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: BbmBb minor
Dominant: AbAb major
Subdominant: F#F# major
Key signature: 5 flats (Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb)

What to learn next

ScaleC# Ionian (major)Scale to improvise over this chord ChordC# 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 ChordC# Major 7Another related chord to practise

Recommended for you

C# MajorA chord that sounds close

C# Major 7A chord that sounds close

C# Minor 6A chord that sounds close

C# Ionian (major)A scale related to this chord

C# 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 C#6 chord?

How do I build C#6 on the keyboard?

Which keys is C#6 found in?

What can I substitute for C#6?

C#6