How to play the Abm6 chord on guitar

The Abm6 chord, pronounced "A flat minor sixth," is a rich and expressive chord that adds a touch of melancholy to any musical composition. Notable for its distinct sound, the Abm6 is often used in jazz, R&B, and neo-soul genres to create a sophisticated and emotional atmosphere. Its unique voicing allows for smooth transitions between chords, making it a favorite among both beginner and advanced guitarists.

The standard way to play the Abm6 chord on guitar is as a barre chord on the 4th fret.

Follow these finger positions to play a Abm6 chord on your guitar:

1. Barre your index finger across strings 1 through 5 on the 4th fret.
2. Place your middle finger on the 5th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 6th fret of the 4th (D) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 6th fret of the 2nd (B) string.

To strum this chord, play all six strings together in a downward motion with your pick or thumb.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the Abm6 chord, try this:

1. Place your index finger on the 4th fret of the 5th (A) string.
2. Place your middle finger on the 5th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Play only these two strings together for a basic Abm6 chord.

Playing the Abm6 chord as a barre chord can provide a fuller, more resonant sound compared to the standard version of the chord.

Here's how to play an Abm6 barre chord:

1. Place your index finger across all six strings at the 4th fret, creating a barre.
2. Place your middle finger on the 5th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 6th fret of the 5th (A) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 6th fret of the 4th (D) string.
5. Strum all six strings from the low E string down to the high E string.

The Abm6 chord is often used in progressions to add a melancholic and introspective feel, creating a sense of emotional depth and complexity. Some common chord progressions featuring Abm6 include:

• i - bVI - bVII - bVI (Abm - Fm - Gbm - Fm)
• i - bVI - iv - V (Abm - Fm - Dbm - Eb)
• i - bVI - bIII - bVII (Abm - Fm - Cbm - Gbm)
• i - iv - bVI - V (Abm - Dbm - Fm - Eb)
• i - bVI - iv - bVII (Abm - Fm - Dbm - Gbm)

To master the Abm6 chord, try playing the individual notes (Ab, Cb, Eb, and F) one at a time. Focus on each note's sound and how they blend together. Once comfortable, practice transitioning between the notes in different orders.

Another helpful drill is to play the chord as an arpeggio, plucking each note separately in ascending or descending order. This exercise helps develop muscle memory and familiarity with the chord shape. Gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with the arpeggio pattern.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the Abm6 chord.

1. Creep by Radiohead (G, B, C, Cm)
2. Summertime Sadness by Lana Del Rey (Bm, A, E, F#m)
3. Wicked Game by Chris Isaak (Bm, A, E, G, F#m)
4. Love on the Brain by Rihanna (Cm, Bb, Ab, Fm)
5. The Night We Met by Lord Huron (Am, G, F, C)
6. I Will Follow You Into the Dark by Death Cab for Cutie (Am, G, F, E)
7. Skinny Love by Bon Iver (Am, C, Fmaj7, G)
8. Mad World by Gary Jules (Am, C, G, D, F)
9. Iris by The Goo Goo Dolls (D, Bm, A, G)
10. Everlong by Foo Fighters (D, Am, C, G)