A phrase in D major
- D
- Em6
- A7
- D
Hear Em6 in a tonic–chord–dominant–tonic phrase. Its role depends on its position, not just its quality.
Discover the chord. Understand the music.
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Selected:E4G4B4D♭5
- Root
- 3rd / sus
- 5th
- 7th
- 6th / extensions
Em6
E minor sixth
2 readings
A minor triad with an added major sixth.
- Chord tones
- E1 · RootG♭3 · 3rdB5 · 5thC♯6 · Ext
- Formula
- 1–♭3–5–6
- Root / bass
- E / E
- Notes played (low → high)
- E4 · G4 · B4 · D♭5
Other valid readings — choose the root you hear:
Em6 · minor sixth
How to Use This Chord
Sound & role
Adds colour to a triad; its key and surrounding chords determine its harmonic role.
Genre examples
Pop
Folk
Rock
Examples of musical settings, not restrictions or claims about how often this chord appears.
Connection & passing potential
No specific chromatic passing use is established by these notes alone. A passing function requires a starting chord, a destination and voice movement.
Diatonic context · example keys
Every chord tone fits these example keys. Other keys may also fit; the chord root is not assumed to be the tonic.
D major · ii6
major
D minor · ii6
ascending melodic minor