E6/9 Guitar Chords Explained | E Major Sixth Nine Added
Welcome to our tutorial on the E 6/9 chord. This chord, a member of the Major Chords family, is a rich and complex harmony that can add depth and nuance to your guitar playing. Composed of the notes E, G#, B, C#, and F#, the E 6/9 chord is built from a series of specific musical intervals: the 1 (Root), 3 (Major Third), 5 (Perfect Fifth), 6 (Major Sixth), and 9 (Major Ninth).
Understanding the theory behind these intervals is key to mastering the E 6/9 chord, as well as many other chords. For a detailed explanation of how chords are built by stacking intervals, check out our tutorial on guitar music theory.
The E 6/9 chord is an example of a sixth chord, which includes the addition of a sixth interval to the basic triad. If you're interested in learning more about these chords, our tutorial about sixth (6) guitar chords is a great resource.
Furthermore, the E 6/9 chord includes a ninth interval, making it part of the ninth chords family. To delve deeper into these types of chords, visit our tutorial about ninth (9) guitar chords.
Finally, to understand how to denote this and other chords depending on the intervals that compose them, make sure to check out our tutorial on guitar chord notation.
In the following sections of this tutorial, we'll provide chord diagrams and fretboard patterns to help you visualize and practice the E 6/9 chord. Let's dive in!
E 6/9 chord Notes:
Chord structure of the Major Sixth Nine Added chord:
Guitar Patterns for the E6/9 chord
Chord boxes are sorted from the easiest to the hardest. Learn how to read chord diagrams.
If you have difficulties with bar chord shapes, check the Bar Chords Tips tutorial.
You can also use this accessible chords page with written diagrams instruction.
Position 1
Open
Position 2
Barre
Open
Position 3
Barre
Open
You can find more shapes in our all guitar chords online library. If you
prefer a printable pdf, download
the Free Guitar Chords Chart Pdf
FAQ
What are the specific notes and intervals that constitute an E 6/9 chord?
The E 6/9 chord is composed of the notes E, G#, B, C#, and F#. These notes represent the 1 (Root), 3 (Major Third), 5 (Perfect Fifth), 6 (Major Sixth), and 9 (Major Ninth) intervals, respectively, from the root note E.
Why is this chord specifically named 'E 6/9'?
The 'E' in 'E 6/9' indicates that E is the root of the chord. The '6' refers to the inclusion of a Major Sixth interval (C#) in addition to the basic triad, and the '9' signifies the presence of a Major Ninth interval (F#).
How does the E 6/9 chord relate to other chord types like major, sixth, and ninth chords?
The E 6/9 chord is a member of the Major Chords family because it contains a major third and perfect fifth above its root. It is also an example of a sixth chord due to the added Major Sixth interval, and it belongs to the ninth chords family because it includes a Major Ninth interval.
What elements contribute to the E 6/9 chord's description as a 'rich and complex harmony'?
The E 6/9 chord achieves its rich and complex harmony through the combination of its specific intervals. The addition of both the Major Sixth and Major Ninth to the basic major triad creates a fuller, more nuanced sound compared to simpler major chords, adding depth and distinct character to the harmony.