Fm6 Guitar Chord – How to Play Fm6 on Guitar
The Fm6 guitar chord is a minor sixth chord with a warm, rich, and slightly jazzy sound. It can add color and emotion to acoustic guitar arrangements, jazz progressions, pop songs, and chord-based songwriting.
Fm6 Guitar Chord
The notes in an Fm6 chord are:
F – Ab – C – D
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The 6th note (D) is added to the F minor triad, giving the chord its distinctive sound.
Fm6 Chord Diagram
Standard tuning: E A D G B E
A practical Fm6 shape is:
e|---1---|
B|---3---|
G|---1---|
D|---3---|
A|---X---|
E|---X---|
Fm6 = xx3131
This shape uses the notes F – Ab – C – D and is played across the D, G, B, and high E strings.
How to Play Fm6 on Guitar
Place your fingers as follows:
Low E string: Do not play
A string: Do not play
D string: 3rd fret
G string: 1st fret
B string: 3rd fret
High E string: 1st fret
Strum only the four fretted strings.
Make sure each note rings clearly without accidentally sounding the muted low E and A strings.
Fm6 Chord Formula
The Fm6 chord is built from:
1 – ♭3 – 5 – 6
For F:
F – Ab – C – D
The added D is what gives the chord its sixth-chord character.
Fm6 vs F Minor
The difference between Fm and Fm6 is the added sixth note.
Fm: F – Ab – C
Fm6: F – Ab – C – D
The added D gives Fm6 a fuller and more colorful sound.
Fm6 Chord Progressions
Fm6 can be used in a variety of musical progressions.
Try:
Fm6 – B♭m – C7 – Fm
Or experiment with:
Fm6 – Db – Eb – Ab
For a more atmospheric progression:
Fm6 – Ab – Db – C7
These progressions can work particularly well for mellow acoustic, jazz, soul, and songwriting arrangements.
Fm6 Strumming Pattern
For acoustic guitar, try this simple pattern:
↓ ↓ ↑ ↑ ↓ ↑
D D U U D U
Start slowly and make sure every note of the Fm6 chord rings clearly.
For a softer sound, you can also use individual downstrokes or arpeggiate the four strings.
Fm6 Guitar Chord for Beginners
Fm6 can be slightly more challenging than basic open chords because the shape requires careful finger placement and controlled strumming.
Practice the chord slowly without worrying about speed. First make sure the D, G, B, and high E strings all sound clean.
Then practice changing between:
Fm6 → B♭m → C7 → Fm
Once the chord feels comfortable, try adding it to your own chord progressions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Fm6 guitar chord?
Fm6 is an F minor sixth chord made from the notes F, Ab, C, and D.
How do you play Fm6 on guitar?
A practical Fm6 shape is xx3131 in standard tuning. Do not play the low E and A strings, and play the D, G, B, and high E strings at the 3rd, 1st, 3rd, and 1st frets.
What is the difference between Fm and Fm6?
Fm contains F, Ab, and C, while Fm6 adds the note D. The added sixth gives Fm6 a richer and more colorful sound.
What notes are in Fm6?
The notes in Fm6 are F, Ab, C, and D.
Is Fm6 easy to play on guitar?
The Fm6 shape can be a little more challenging than basic beginner chords, but it becomes easier with regular practice and careful finger placement.
Final Thoughts
The Fm6 guitar chord is a great chord to learn when you want to expand beyond basic major and minor shapes. Its F–Ab–C–D notes create a warm and sophisticated sound that works especially well in jazz, soul, acoustic, and emotional guitar arrangements.
