Fm6

Q: What notes are in the Fm6 chord?

The Fm6 chord (F Minor 6) contains: F, Ab, C, D. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Fm6 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 Fm6 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 Fm6?

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.

F Minor 6

Octaves

Musical context

ChordF minorTriad

ChordFm6F Minor 6

ArpeggioF minorBroken triad

ScaleF minor7 notes

KeyF minorMinor key

ProgressionAndalusianSequence

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

Theory

General info

Full name: F Minor 6
Symbol: Fm6
Root: F
Quality: Minor 6

Chord notes

1Froot

b3Abminor 3rd

5Cperfect 5th

6Dmajor 6th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: iiSubdominant (ii)Eb major
Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as minor tonic
Most common resolutions: CC Major BbmBb Minor EbEb Major
Main resolution: Fm6source
CC Major
Minor chord Fm is a stable tonic in the minor key of the same root. Typical motion leads to the subdominant (iv) or dominant (V).
Other resolutions: Fm6source
Deceptive resolution
DbDb Major
A minor chord can unexpectedly move to the major chord on the bVI degree — a deceptive-resolution effect.
Fm6source
Modal resolution
EbEb Major
In Dorian and Aeolian modes, the minor chord is the tonic. Typical modal motion: i → bVII or i → iv.
Fm6source
Jazz reharmonization
Bb7Bb 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.
Fm6source
Functional resolution
BbBb 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

v1F(F4)Bass

root

v2Ab(Ab4)m3from F

v3C(C5)M3from Ab

v4D(D5)M2from C

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

ScaleF Akebono (Japanese)ScaleD Blues scale ScaleC Aeolian (natural minor)ScaleC Harmonic minor ScaleC Mixolydian ♭6 ScaleC Harmonic major ScaleD Locrian ScaleD Romanian minor ScaleD Ukrainian Dorian ScaleD Altered (super Locrian)

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Fm6 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: DmD minor
Dominant: CC major
Subdominant: BbBb major
Key signature: 1 flat (Bb)

What to learn next

ScaleF DorianScale to improvise over this chord ChordF 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 ChordF Minor 7Another related chord to practise

Recommended for you

F MinorA chord that sounds close

F Minor 7A chord that sounds close

F 6thA chord that sounds close

F DorianA scale related to this chord

F 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 Fm6 chord?

How do I build Fm6 on the keyboard?

Which keys is Fm6 found in?

What can I substitute for Fm6?

Fm6