G6-Em-Asus2 progressions (or variations of it) can be found all across Bob Seger songs, providing an ideal opportunity to develop finger dexterity by forcing yourself to shift a two-finger shape back and forth across strings.
A G6 chord can be defined as a G major triad with an added sixth note for a dreamier sound.
Basics
The G6 chord is a variation on the standard G major triad that contains an added sixth note for enhanced texture, making it suitable for jazz, R&B, soul music and beyond. Additionally, it can also serve as a transition between chords in progressions to add depth and smooth soundscapes – often played open position but sometimes using movable shapes and barre fingerings as well.
To play a G6 chord, place your index finger at the 3rd fret of the 1st string; place your middle finger near the 6th fret on the 2nd string; and your ring finger near 16th fret on 5th string – making sure all notes can be heard clearly when strumming all six strings simultaneously. Strum all six notes until each note echoes clearly before adding any others.
Guitar players can add depth and dimension to any chord by adding chord extensions, which add additional notes beyond those found in its basic triad structure. Guitarists can opt for adding or omitting these extensions depending on personal taste – expanding not only harmonic palate but also melodic resolution points for soloing and improvising purposes.
One popular extension to triads is the seventh chord, which can be flattened to form major, minor and dominant seventh chords. While technically only chords that contain sevenths should be considered sevenths, musicians frequently refer to any chord that contains one as sevenths. Furthermore, nines can also be added to triads to form diminished ninth chords, while thirteenths may be added to minor seventh chords for Gmi7/13 chords.
Another popular modification to triads is adding the sixth note. This can be accomplished in various ways, with one method being adding a sharp to the root chord resulting in a G6 chord that can either use its flattened sixth for dramatic effects or play it more normally for more balanced and relaxed sounding sounds.
Addition of a sixth to a major triad generates a suspended fourth, or sus4, chord that prevents its third from resolving, creating tension before its resolution. As this chord is also enharmonic with Emi7 chord, it may be used to replace Emi7 in some situations.
Variations
One of the joys of playing the guitar is its versatility: we can assemble intervals on-the-fly to form chords of any kind; G6 being no exception with its various variants that can be formed by moving one finger shape from string to string. Practice such as this helps develop your ability to rapidly change chords as well as understanding its application on the fretboard.
Our first chord variation involves adding an E note to an original G major shape, creating a G6 power chord. This chord type can be found frequently used in blues shuffle rhythms as its bass note helps carry through other chords in its progression.
Add another twist to your G6 chord by shifting its root up the third string, creating a G suspended chord. While more difficult than its basic version to execute successfully, this variation creates an exciting sound which adds depth and variety to your music.
Finally, we can add a D note to the original G major shape, creating a G minor 6 chord. This chord can often be found in folk music; examples can be seen in Bob Seger’s “Night Moves” and The Byrds’ “Wasn’t Born to Follow.” It creates an excellent melodic chord which can also help us craft some interesting riffs on guitar.
If you want to truly master these chords, play with a drummer. Doing this will give you an understanding of how they work together, while the drummer’s rhythm will help ensure you find your ideal sound. Switching between chords on the fly can be challenging at first; therefore it is best to take your time.
As you switch between these shapes, it’s important to always land all of your fingers simultaneously on each string. While it might be easy to slip into the habit of landing just one finger at a time when switching chords, this can cause difficulties when transitioning.
Drills
The Gmaj6 chord (also referred to as Gmaj6) comprises four notes – G, B, D and E – which can be found throughout jazz, country music and many popular songs. To master it on guitar it’s essential that you practice this chord using various rhythms and time signatures, creating confidence and muscle memory to help apply it later to your own guitar playing and songs.
As a starting point, try practicing the G6 chord on its own by playing each individual note one by one. This will enable you to work on fingerings and ensure each string chimes out clearly. When comfortable with this approach, move onto strumming the chord in different patterns for added versatility when transitioning between its various voicings and fingerings.
Add depth and variety to your music by playing this chord with a bass note for added dimension. For instance, when practicing blues shuffle, try adding a D bass note to create tension and drive in your groove. Additionally, this technique can also be useful when practicing G6 power chords, commonly found in rock music with strong beats.
Another effective method of practicing the G6 chord is using a chord chart as a guide to your fingerings. Chord charts show you which notes compose each chord as well as where and which strings to fret it on, when to use which fingers, how barre chords form by placing one or more fingers across multiple strings and more – providing a good basis for learning other types of chords on the fretboard.
Applying this chart to practice G6 chord voicings will expand your musical vocabulary. Each voicing of this chord offers its own sound, and some might prove more challenging than others. Begin by mastering simple voicings before progressing onto more difficult ones.
Songs
A G6 chord, also referred to as Gmaj6, consists of intervals 1 (G), 3 (B), 5 (D) and 6 (E). It is commonly found in jazz and R&B music as it adds a lush, melancholic feel to progressions. Beginner guitarists find it particularly easy to pick up. It can be played using open or barre chords and often fingered similarly to an open G major triad for maximum simplicity when learning this chord type.
Radioactive is an ideal example of an easy song for beginning guitarists to learn using guitar chords g6. Beginners will find it particularly accessible, using only basic beginner chords such as G. It is also great fun to sing along to, which adds another fun aspect!
Ring of Fire by Bob Marley is an excellent I-IV-V song to introduce beginner guitarists to practicing chord changes quickly and switching up chords rapidly. Additionally, its simple rhythm enables beginner guitarists to practice strumming with both thumb and fingers simultaneously.
Kiss Me Through The Phone by IZ is an intermediate to advanced song that requires the use of a capo; as such, it is not suitable for beginning guitarists; however, once learned it can become an incredible piece to play!
Dance the Night Away by The Mavericks is another well-known song and an ideal example of how simple open chords can be used to produce full sound with little effort. Additionally, this tune provides an excellent opportunity to practice shifting between chords – which makes for lots of fun when played alongside friends or family! This tune makes an excellent beginner song! Plus you can even customize its strumming pattern!