What notes are in a C6 chord?

C6 contains four notes: C (root), E (major third), G (perfect fifth), and A (major sixth).

Is C6 the same as A minor 7?

They share the same four pitches but function differently. C6 has C as its root and serves as a major tonic; Am7 has A as its root and serves as the relative minor or as a ii chord.

How is C6 different from Cmaj7?

Only the top note changes. C6 has A (major sixth); Cmaj7 has B (major seventh). C6 sounds softer and more "resolved"; Cmaj7 has more tension from the half-step between B and C.

When is C6 used in jazz?

As a final tonic at the end of pieces in C major, as a substitute for plain C major in bossa-nova progressions, and as a softer "I chord" in ballads where Cmaj7 would be too rich.

C major 6 chord — notes, intervals, and practice

C6 (C major 6) — C, E, G, A — is a C major triad with an added major sixth. The chord sounds gentler and more complete than a plain triad, and softer than Cmaj7 (whose major 7th creates more tension). Bossa nova players reach for C6 as a tonic chord because of its open, satisfied quality.

Intervals

The C major 6 chord stacks two thirds on the root. Each interval and its size in semitones:

C→Emajor 3rd4 semitones
E→Gminor 3rd3 semitones
G→Amajor 2nd2 semitones

On the keyboard

Each note of the C major 6 chord highlighted on a piano. Pitch class is what matters — any octave works.

On the guitar

One voicing of the C major 6 chord on a six-string guitar fretboard.

Common mistakes

C6 and Am7 share the same four pitches (C, E, G, A) — they're different chord symbols for the same pitch set, differentiated only by which note sits in the bass. With C in the bass it's C6; with A in the bass it's Am7. Be careful not to confuse C6 with Cmaj7: C6 has A as the top extension; Cmaj7 has B. The half-step difference makes Cmaj7 noticeably more pungent.

In context

C6 most often appears as the I chord in C major (a softer alternative to Cmaj7) and at the end of jazz tunes as a "final tonic" chord. Bossa nova in C uses C6 constantly; jazz piano voicings frequently substitute C6 for plain C major to enrich the harmony without adding tension.

Drill it

The C major 6 chord is one of 48 in the Chord Trainer. Open the full trainer to practice it alongside related chords with timing and best-time tracking.

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Frequently asked

What notes are in a C6 chord?: C6 contains four notes: C (root), E (major third), G (perfect fifth), and A (major sixth).
Is C6 the same as A minor 7?: They share the same four pitches but function differently. C6 has C as its root and serves as a major tonic; Am7 has A as its root and serves as the relative minor or as a ii chord.
How is C6 different from Cmaj7?: Only the top note changes. C6 has A (major sixth); Cmaj7 has B (major seventh). C6 sounds softer and more "resolved"; Cmaj7 has more tension from the half-step between B and C.
When is C6 used in jazz?: As a final tonic at the end of pieces in C major, as a substitute for plain C major in bossa-nova progressions, and as a softer "I chord" in ballads where Cmaj7 would be too rich.