How to play the Fm6 chord on guitar

The Fm6 chord, pronounced F minor sixth, is a rich and melancholic chord that adds depth to any musical composition. Notable for its somber yet sophisticated sound, the Fm6 is often used in genres such as jazz, blues, and soul. It features prominently in songs like "Summertime" by George Gershwin and "Stormy Weather" by Harold Arlen, where it evokes a sense of emotional complexity.

The standard way to play the Fm6 chord on guitar is as a barre chord on the 1st fret.

Follow these finger positions to play a Fm6 chord on your guitar:

1. Place your index finger across all six strings on the 1st fret, creating a barre.
2. Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th (A) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 4th (D) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 3rd fret of the 3rd (G) string.

To strum this chord, start from the 6th (low E) string and strum downwards, making sure all notes ring out clearly.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the Fm6 chord, try playing an Fm chord without the sixth note. Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the high E string, your middle finger on the 1st fret of the B string, and your ring finger on the 1st fret of the G string. Strum only these three strings.

The Fm6 chord is most commonly played as an open chord, but learning the barre chord version can be useful for playing songs in different keys or adding variety to your playing.

Here's how to play an Fm6 barre chord:

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

The Fm6 chord adds a melancholic and introspective flavor to progressions, often creating a sense of emotional depth and sophistication. Some common Fm6 chord progressions include:

• i6 - iv6 - V7 - i6 (Fm6 - Bbm6 - C7 - Fm6)
• i6 - VII7 - III7 - VI7 (Fm6 - Eb7 - Ab7 - Db7) Used in "Misty" and "I Remember You"
• i6 - iv7 - VII7 - III7 (Fm6 - Bbm7 - Eb7 - Ab7)
• i6 - ii7b5 - V7 - i6 (Fm6 - Gm7b5 - C7 - Fm6)
• i6 - iv6 - VII7b5 - III7b5 (Fm6 - Bbm6 - Eb7b5 - Ab7b5)

To master the Fm6 chord, try playing the individual notes (F, Ab, C, and D) one at a time, focusing on each note's clarity and tone. Once comfortable, practice transitioning between these notes in various patterns, such as ascending or descending order.

Another effective drill is to play the Fm6 chord in different rhythmic patterns, like quarter notes, eighth notes, or a combination of both. This will help develop muscle memory and improve your ability to switch to and from the Fm6 chord smoothly while playing songs.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the Fm6 chord.

1. Creep by Radiohead (G, B, C, Cm)
2. Bitter Sweet Symphony by The Verve (E, Bm, G, D, A)
3. Under the Bridge by Red Hot Chili Peppers (D, Bm, G, A, F#m)
4. Hotel California by Eagles (Bm, F#, A, E, G, D, Em)
5. Boulevard of Broken Dreams by Green Day (Em, G, D, A)
6. Wonderwall by Oasis (Em, G, D, A7sus4)
7. Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton (A, E, D, C#m, Bm, G#m, F#m)
8. Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin (Am, G, C, D, F)
9. Nothing Else Matters by Metallica (Em, D, C, G, B)
10. Hey There Delilah by Plain White T's (D, F#m, Bm, G, A)