Chord Information
Learn how to play E6 on piano
Notes in Chord
Intervals
Inversion
Notes (bottom to top): E4 - G#4 - B4 - C#5
Right Hand Fingering
3=middle, 4=ring, 5=pinky
Interactive Piano
Click the highlighted keys to play the E6 chord
About the E6 Chord
The E6 chord brings bright, ringing warmth to one of rock and country's favorite keys. Built from E-G#-B-C#, this chord adds vintage sophistication to E major. When rockabilly and country guitarists reach for a fancier E chord, E6 is often their choice.
What makes E6 distinctive is its brightness combined with warmth. E major is already one of the brighter keys, and the added C# (6th) creates settled completeness without the dreaminess of Emaj7. This quality suits upbeat, energetic music.
On piano, E6 combines white keys (E, B) with black keys (G#, C#) in an alternating pattern that sits naturally under the hand.
Music Theory & Usage
E6 functions as I6 in E major or V6 in A major. In rockabilly and country, E6 adds sophistication to the basic E chord. In jazz standards using E major, E6 provides vintage color.
The chord appears throughout 1950s rock and roll, where its brightness suited the era's exuberant energy.
Famous Songs Using E6
Hear how professional musicians use the E6 chord in these well-known songs:
“Johnny B. Goode”
by Chuck Berry
E6 can enhance the basic E in this rock classic
“Blue Suede Shoes”
by Carl Perkins
Uses 6th chords in its rockabilly style
“That'll Be the Day”
by Buddy Holly
Features 6th chord voicings
“Rock Around the Clock”
by Bill Haley
Contains 6th chords throughout
How to Play E6 on Piano
- Place your thumb on E.
- Place your index finger on G#.
- Place your middle finger on B.
- Place your pinky finger on C#.
- Press all keys simultaneously to hear the E6 chord.
Recommended fingering: 1-2-3-5 (right hand)
E6 Chord Inversions
The E6 chord can be played in different inversions:
Root Position
E - G# - B - C# (bass note: E)
First Inversion
G# - B - C# - E (bass note: G#)
Second Inversion
B - C# - E - G# (bass note: B)
Common Chord Progressions Using E6
I-IV-V Progression
Common chord progression
I-V-vi-IV Progression
Common chord progression
Practice Tips for E6
- Start slowly and focus on pressing all keys simultaneously for a clean sound.
- Practice transitioning between E6 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 E6
What notes are in E6?
E6 contains E (root), G# (major 3rd), B (perfect 5th), and C# (major 6th). The C# adds warmth to the bright E major triad.
Is E6 the same as C#m7?
Same pitches (E-G#-B-C# = C#-E-G#-B), different functions. E6 has E as root with major function; C#m7 has C# as root with minor function. Context determines the name.
Why use E6 in rockabilly?
E6 adds sophistication to the basic E chord without changing its energy. The 6th provides color that suits rockabilly's blend of country and rock. It's fancier than E major but not as "jazzy" as E7.
What's the difference between E6 and E7?
E6 (E-G#-B-C#) is settled and complete. E7 (E-G#-B-D) has tension that wants to resolve to A. E6 works as a final chord; E7 pushes forward. Different moods entirely.