A major sixth

A6 Piano Voicings

A6 replaces the major seventh with the sixth, giving a settled, swing-era sound. It is a common substitute for the major-seventh chord as a final tonic.

Drill A6 in all 12 keys

The notes in A6

  • A R
  • C# 3
  • E 5
  • F# 6

A6 voicings on piano

Each voicing is the exact shape the trainer drills. Press play to hear it — as a block chord or rolled note by note.

Root Position

A · C# · E · F# R · 3 · 5 · 6

Shell Voicing

A · C# · F# R · 3 · 6

Rootless A

C# · E · F# · B 3 · 5 · 6 · 9

Rootless B

F# · B · C# · E 6 · 9 · 3 · 5

Where A6 fits in a ii-V-I

A6 replaces the major seventh with the sixth, giving a settled, swing-era sound. It is a common substitute for the major-seventh chord as a final tonic.

The fastest way to internalise A6 is to drill it in context across all 12 keys until the shape is automatic.

Practice the full ii-V-I progression

A6 — frequently asked questions

What notes are in A6?

A6 contains A, C#, E, F# — root, major third, perfect fifth and major sixth.

When do you use A6?

A6 is often used as a final resting chord, because the sixth sounds more stable and less tense than a major seventh.