G6 Chord Guide

This page dives into the G6 chord for guitar - voicings, compatible scales and modes, plus where it brings that sweet, vintage, jazzy-major flavor in iconic songs. G6 (G • B • D • E) is G major with the added sixth (E), giving it a warm, nostalgic, late-50s/early-60s vibe.

Chord Voicings & Tablature

Common ways to play G6

Classic Open (320000)

e|---0---| B|---0---| G|---0---| D|---0---| A|---2---| E|---3---|

Full & Beautiful (32200x)

e|---0---| B|---0---| G|---2---| D|---0---| A|---2---| E|---0---|

Jazzy 6/9 Grip (xx2434)

e|---4---| B|---3---| G|---4---| D|---2---| A|---x---| E|---x---|

Funk/R&B Favorite (xx5454)

e|---4---| B|---4---| G|---5---| D|---5---| A|---x---| E|---x---|

Scales & Modes That Fit Perfectly

Major Family Modes

G Ionian (Major): G A B C D E F#

e|---------------------------2-3-|
B|-----------------------3-5-----|
G|-----------------2-4-5---------|
D|-----------2-4-5---------------|
A|-----2-3-5---------------------|
E|-3-5---------------------------|

D Mixolydian: D E F# G A B C D (classic dominant-to-major 6)

e|------------------------5-7-8-10-|
B|----------------3-5-7-8----------|
G|----------2-4-5------------------|
D|----2-4-5------------------------|
A|--5------------------------------|
E|---------------------------------|

Minor Family Modes

A Dorian: A B C D E F# G A (adds soulful 6th feel)

e|-------------------------------1-3-5-|
B|-------------------------1-3-5-------|
G|-------------------0-2-3-------------|
D|-------------0-2-3-------------------|
A|-------0-2-3-------------------------|
E|-3-5-6-------------------------------|

Pentatonics & Extensions

G Major Pentatonic + 6th: G A B D E (safe & gorgeous)

e|-----------------------0-3-|
B|-------------------0-3-----|
G|---------------0-2---------|
D|-----------0-2-------------|
A|-----0-2-5-----------------|
E|-3-7-----------------------|

G6 in Legendary Songs

The warm, retro sparkle of G6 is everywhere in jazz, soul, surf, and classic rock:

"Sleep Walk" by Santo & Johnny – Iconic instrumental built on G6 and Em6.
"Everyday" by Buddy Holly – That unmistakable G6 jangle in the intro.
"Tequila" by The Champs – Sax riff is pure G6 funk.
"Under the Boardwalk" by The Drifters – Smooth G6 soul chords.
"This Magic Moment" by The Drifters – Another perfect 50s/60s G6 classic.
"Stand By Me" (bridge) – G6 appears in many live/acoustic versions for extra sweetness.

A
A - Amaj7 - Amaj9 - Am9

C
C - Cmaj7

G
G - Gmaj7 - Gmaj9 - Gadd9 - G7 - G6 - Gsus4 - Gsus2 - Gaug - Gm - Gm7 - Gm9 - Gm6 - Gdim

Glossary
Guitar/amp/pedal terminology