G6 Chord on Guitar: G Major

G6 is G major plus an added 6th note (E). Three fingers, six strings, brighter and more open than plain G major. Used heavily in country, folk, jazz, and any pop song that wants its G chord to sound a little less anchored.

G6 is built from G, B, D, and E.

The Standard G6 Fingering

• 1st string (high E): open
• 2nd string (B): open
• 3rd string (G): open
• 4th string (D): open
• 5th string (A): 2nd fret, index finger
• 6th string (low E): 3rd fret, middle finger

Strum all 6 strings. The notes from low to high are G, B, D, G, B, E. Notice the high E (1st string open) is the added 6th. Compared to a standard G major, the only difference is that the pinky doesn't fret the 1st string at the 3rd fret. The high E rings open instead.

How G6 Differs From G Major

One note. Standard G major fingerings often add the pinky on the 3rd fret of the 1st string, which doubles the G note up top. G6 lets the open high E ring instead, which adds the 6th to the chord.

If your usual G major fingering already leaves the 1st string open (some teach it that way), then your "G major" is actually G6 most of the time. Pop guitarists rarely make the distinction.

Why G6 Sounds Folksy

The 6th note adds a major-key sweetness without the dreamy quality of a major 7th. G6 sounds like an open meadow. Country guitarists use 6ths constantly. Listen to almost any acoustic country song and the rhythm guitar is probably playing 6ths.

Songs That Use G6

• "Take It Easy" by The Eagles uses G6 throughout.
• Most country songs in G. The 6th is a country signature.
• "Mrs. Robinson" by Simon & Garfunkel.
• Bossa nova in G. 6ths replace 7ths in many bossa progressions.

FAQ: G6 Chord Questions

Is G6 the same as Em7?

The notes are identical. G, B, D, E vs E, G, B, D. Same four notes, different root. The chord function (and therefore the bass note you play in a band) is what differs.

What's the difference between G6 and G major?

One note. G6 adds the 6th (E). On most G major fingerings, the difference is whether the 1st string rings open (G6) or is fretted at the 3rd fret (G major).

Why is the 6th called "country"?

Because country and bluegrass guitarists use 6ths heavily as a signature sound. The 6th adds sweetness without the jazzier flavor of a 7th.

Can I use G6 anywhere G appears?

Often. G6 sounds slightly brighter and more open. In rock songs that need a strong, anchored G, the plain version may sound stronger.

What chord follows G6 most often?

C or D. G6 functions like G in any progression, so it goes wherever G would go.