Chord Information
Learn how to play B6 on piano
Notes in Chord
Intervals
Inversion
Notes (bottom to top): B4 - D#5 - F#5 - G#5
Right Hand Fingering
3=middle, 4=ring, 5=pinky
Interactive Piano
Click the highlighted keys to play the B6 chord
About the B6 Chord
The B6 chord brings warm sophistication to the bright realm of B major. Built from B-D#-F#-G#, this chord adds settled completeness to one of the sharper keys. While less common than sixth chords in G or C, B6 appears in jazz and classical contexts that explore sharp keys.
What makes B6 distinctive is its brilliant warmth. B major's natural brightness combines with the 6th's settling quality to create a sound that's both luminous and complete.
On piano, B6 sits primarily on black keys (D#, F#, G#) with B on white, creating a distinctive physical pattern.
Music Theory & Usage
B6 functions as I6 in B major or V6 in E major. In jazz standards that modulate through sharp keys, B6 provides moments of warm resolution.
The chord appears in classical music and jazz arrangements that venture into B major territory.
Famous Songs Using B6
Hear how professional musicians use the B6 chord in these well-known songs:
“Portrait of Tracy”
by Jaco Pastorius
Uses harmonics suggesting 6th chord colors
“Bright Size Life”
by Pat Metheny
Features sophisticated chord voicings
“Phase Dance”
by Pat Metheny
Contains 6th chords in its jazz-fusion harmony
“Third Wind”
by Pat Metheny
Uses 6th chord sonorities
How to Play B6 on Piano
- Place your thumb on B.
- Place your index finger on D#.
- Place your middle finger on F#.
- Place your pinky finger on G#.
- Press all keys simultaneously to hear the B6 chord.
Recommended fingering: 1-2-3-5 (right hand)
B6 Chord Inversions
The B6 chord can be played in different inversions:
Root Position
B - D# - F# - G# (bass note: B)
First Inversion
D# - F# - G# - B (bass note: D#)
Second Inversion
F# - G# - B - D# (bass note: F#)
Common Chord Progressions Using B6
I-IV-V Progression
Common chord progression
I-V-vi-IV Progression
Common chord progression
Practice Tips for B6
- Start slowly and focus on pressing all keys simultaneously for a clean sound.
- Practice transitioning between B6 and other common chords to build muscle memory.
- Extended chords can be challenging - ensure each note rings clearly.
- Experiment with voicing variations by omitting the fifth or other notes for different textures.
Frequently Asked Questions about B6
What notes are in B6?
B6 contains B (root), D# (major 3rd), F# (perfect 5th), and G# (major 6th). B is white; D#, F#, G# are black keys.
Is B6 the same as G#m7?
Same pitches (B-D#-F#-G# = G#-B-D#-F#), different functions. B6 has B as root with major function; G#m7 has G# as root with minor function. Context determines the name.
Why is B6 less common than other 6th chords?
B major is less common than keys like G, C, or F in popular music. Sixth chords follow their parent key's frequency. B6 appears mainly in jazz and classical contexts.
Is B6 the same as Cb6?
Theoretically yes, but Cb6 is never used since Cb major is impractical. B6 is the standard spelling.