Em6

Q: What notes are in the Em6 chord?

The Em6 chord (E Minor 6) contains: E, G, B, C#. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Em6 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 Em6 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 Em6?

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.

E Minor 6

Octaves

Musical context

ChordE minorTriad

ChordEm6E Minor 6

ArpeggioE minorBroken triad

ScaleE minor7 notes

KeyE minorMinor key

ProgressionAndalusianSequence

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

Theory

General info

Full name: E Minor 6
Symbol: Em6
Root: E
Quality: Minor 6

Chord notes

1Eroot

b3Gminor 3rd

5Bperfect 5th

6C#major 6th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: iiSubdominant (ii)D major
Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as minor tonic
Most common resolutions: BB Major AmA Minor DD Major
Main resolution: Em6source
BB Major
Minor chord Em is a stable tonic in the minor key of the same root. Typical motion leads to the subdominant (iv) or dominant (V).
Other resolutions: Em6source
Deceptive resolution
CC Major
A minor chord can unexpectedly move to the major chord on the bVI degree — a deceptive-resolution effect.
Em6source
Modal resolution
DD Major
In Dorian and Aeolian modes, the minor chord is the tonic. Typical modal motion: i → bVII or i → iv.
Em6source
Jazz reharmonization
A7A 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.
Em6source
Functional resolution
AA 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

v1E(E4)Bass

root

v2G(G4)m3from E

v3B(B4)M3from G

v4C#(C#5)M2from B

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

ScaleE Akebono (Japanese)ScaleC# Blues scale ScaleC# Locrian ScaleC# Romanian minor ScaleC# Ukrainian Dorian ScaleC# Altered (super Locrian)ScaleE Dorian ScaleE Melodic minor ScaleE Neapolitan major ScaleE Romanian minor

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Em6 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: C#mC# minor
Dominant: BB major
Subdominant: AA major
Key signature: 4 sharps (F#, C#, G#, D#)

What to learn next

ScaleE DorianScale to improvise over this chord ChordE 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 ChordE Minor 7Another related chord to practise

Recommended for you

E MinorA chord that sounds close

E Minor 7A chord that sounds close

E 6thA chord that sounds close

E DorianA scale related to this chord

E 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 Em6 chord?

How do I build Em6 on the keyboard?

Which keys is Em6 found in?

What can I substitute for Em6?

Em6