Gm6

G Minor 6

Octaves

Musical context

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

Theory

General info

Full name
G Minor 6
Symbol
Gm6
Root
G
Quality
Minor 6

Chord notes

1Groot
b3Bbminor 3rd
5Dperfect 5th
6Emajor 6th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key
iiSubdominant (ii)F major
Stability / tension
Stable — can serve as minor tonic
Most common resolutions
Main resolution
Gm6source
DD Major
Minor chord Gm is a stable tonic in the minor key of the same root. Typical motion leads to the subdominant (iv) or dominant (V).
Other resolutions
Gm6source
Deceptive resolution
D#D# Major
A minor chord can unexpectedly move to the major chord on the bVI degree — a deceptive-resolution effect.
Gm6source
Modal resolution
FF Major
In Dorian and Aeolian modes, the minor chord is the tonic. Typical modal motion: i → bVII or i → iv.
Gm6source
Jazz reharmonization
C7C 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.
Gm6source
Functional resolution
CC 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

v1G(G4)Bass
root
v2Bb(Bb4)m3from G
v3D(D5)M3from Bb
v4E(E5)M2from D

Harmony

Typical progressions

Compatible scales

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

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Gm6 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

CAmGEmDBmAF#mEC#mBG#mF#D#mDbBbmAbFmEbCmBbGmFDmGmajor
Relative key
Dominant
Subdominant
Key signature
1 sharp (F#)

Practice

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Frequently Asked Questions