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)

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

Full & Gorgeous (3x0333)

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

Jazzy Drop-2 (xx5335)

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

Bossa Favorite

e|--12---| B|--13---| G|--12---| D|--11---| A|--12---| E|---x---|

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.