Gm6 Chord Guide

This page dives into the Gm6 minor-sixth chord for guitar - voicings, compatible scales and modes, plus where it delivers that lush, melancholic, vintage-jazz and bossa vibe. Gm6 (G • Bb • D • E) is G minor with the added major sixth, creating one of the most beautiful and bittersweet sounds on the fretboard.

Chord Voicings & Tablature

Common ways to play Gm6

Classic Open (3x233x)

Full & Gorgeous (3x0333)

Jazzy Drop-2 (xx5335)

Bossa Favorite

Scales & Modes That Fit Perfectly

Minor Family Modes

• G Melodic Minor: G A Bb C D E F G (adds raised 6th/7th for extra color)
  

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

• A Dorian: A Bb C D E F G A (the true home of Gm6)
  

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

Pentatonics & Extensions

• G Minor Pentatonic + 6th: G Bb C D E (perfectly safe & sweet)
  

  
  e|---------------------3-6-|
  B|-----------------3-6-----|
  G|-------------3-5---------|
  D|---------3-5-------------|
  A|-----3-5-----------------|
  E|-3-6---------------------|

Gm6 in Legendary Songs

The haunting, sophisticated beauty of Gm6 is a staple in jazz, bossa nova, and soulful ballads:

• "The Girl from Ipanema" by João Gilberto – Classic bossa Gm6 in the verse.
• "How Insensitive (Insensatez)" by Antônio Carlos Jobim – Pure Gm6 magic.
• "Wave" by Jobim – Another bossa masterpiece built on Gm6.
• "Blue Moon" (jazz versions) – Gm6 appears in sophisticated reharmonizations.
• "Misty" (Erroll Garner) – Gm6 in the bridge for that dreamy turn.
• "Autumn Leaves" (many jazz arrangements) – Gm6 as a lush passing chord.