sixth chord: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Specialist)Technical, Musical
Quick answer
What does “sixth chord” mean?
A musical chord consisting of a triad (root, third, fifth) plus an added sixth interval above the root.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A musical chord consisting of a triad (root, third, fifth) plus an added sixth interval above the root.
In classical harmony, often a first inversion chord with an added sixth; in jazz/popular music, often a root-position triad with an added sixth (e.g., C6 = C-E-G-A). Can function as a consonant, stable sonority, sometimes as a substitute for a tonic triad.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. Theoretical interpretation may vary slightly between UK/US classical pedagogy, but the term is identical.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in specialist musical contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “sixth chord” in a Sentence
The [composition] features an [Italian/German/French] sixth chord.A [major/minor] sixth chord provides a [quality] colour.The [sixth chord] resolves to the [tonic/dominant].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sixth chord” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The composer sixth-chords the resolution for a softer effect.
- He tends to sixth chord the final cadence.
American English
- The arranger sixth-chorded the bridge for a jazzier feel.
- Let's sixth chord this section.
adverb
British English
- The harmony moved sixth-chordly into the next phrase.
- It was voiced quite sixth-chordly.
American English
- The progression resolves sixth-chordly.
- The piece ends rather sixth-chordly.
adjective
British English
- The sixth-chord sonority is characteristic of the piece.
- He wrote a sixth-chord passage.
American English
- The sixth-chord voicing sounds lush.
- That's a very sixth-chord kind of sound.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in music theory, analysis, and composition textbooks and lectures.
Everyday
Rare, only among musicians discussing music.
Technical
Precise term in music theory, harmony, jazz studies, and orchestration.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sixth chord”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sixth chord”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sixth chord”
- Pronouncing 'sixth chord' as /sɪkθ/ (omitting the 's' sound).
- Confusing a 'sixth chord' (C-E-G-A) with a 'chord in sixth inversion'.
- Using the term for any chord containing a sixth interval (e.g., a minor seventh chord also contains a sixth).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. In classical figured bass, 'sixth chord' can refer to a first inversion triad (root is the third). In modern jazz/pop usage, it usually means a root-position triad with an added sixth (e.g., C6). Context is key.
C6 is C-E-G-A. Cmaj7 is C-E-G-B. They share three notes (C, E, G) but the 6th (A) and the major 7th (B) are different. The C6 is generally more consonant and stable.
Yes. A minor sixth chord (e.g., Cm6) contains a minor triad plus a major sixth (C-E♭-G-A). The sixth interval is still major relative to the root in standard practice.
Common guitar voicings for C6 include x-3-2-3-3-x (open A shape on 3rd fret) or 8-7-5-5-5-x (based on E shape). The aim is to include the root, third, fifth, and sixth without doubling the root excessively.
A musical chord consisting of a triad (root, third, fifth) plus an added sixth interval above the root.
Sixth chord is usually technical, musical in register.
Sixth chord: in British English it is pronounced /sɪksθ kɔːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /sɪksθ kɔrd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms. Specialist term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'SIX strings, but a CHORD' – a chord that adds the SIXth note of the scale.
Conceptual Metaphor
A FAMILY (triad) with a DISTANT COUSIN (the sixth) visiting, adding colour but not changing the core identity.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a type of 'augmented sixth chord' in classical theory?