D#6 Guitar Chord | How To Create and Play the D# Major Sixth chord
Welcome to this comprehensive tutorial on the D# 6 chord. As part of the Major Chords family, the D# 6 chord is composed of the notes D#, F##, A#, and B#. The chord is built using the music intervals 1, 3, 5, and 6, which are also known as the Root, Major Third, Perfect Fifth, and Major Sixth, respectively.
Understanding the construction of this chord requires a solid grasp of fretboard intervals and how chords are built by stacking these intervals. If you're new to this concept, we recommend checking out our tutorial that teaches how to build chords by stacking intervals.
The D# 6 chord is not just a common chord, but it is also an intermediate level chord, offering a slightly more complex sound than beginner chords. If you're ready to delve deeper into the world of guitar chords, our tutorial about sixth (6) guitar chords is a great place to start.
As you learn to play the D# 6 chord, you'll also want to understand how it fits into larger chord progressions. Our tutorial on common chord progressions can help you put chords together to create songs.
Finally, if you come across a chord shape and you're unsure of how to name it, our interactive tool to analyze chord shapes can be a great help. Enjoy your journey into the world of the D# 6 chord!
Notes of the D# 6 chord:
How the Major Sixth chord is built:
D# Major Sixth Guitar Chord Diagrams
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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
Movable
Position 2
Barre
Movable
Position 3
Barre
Movable
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FAQ
What specific notes are used to build the D#6 guitar chord?
The D#6 chord is composed of four distinct notes: D# (the root), F## (F double sharp, representing the major third), A# (the perfect fifth), and B# (B sharp, representing the major sixth).
Why does the D#6 chord contain an F## (F double sharp) instead of a G natural?
The F## is used to maintain the theoretical spelling of the chord's intervals. When building a chord from D#, the third scale degree must be some form of F. Using F## correctly identifies it as the major third interval relative to D#, adhering to the music theory rules for stacking intervals (1, 3, 5, 6), even though F## is enharmonically equivalent to G natural.
How do the intervals 1, 3, 5, and 6 define the D#6 chord?
These numbers represent the specific scale degrees from the D# major scale that are included in the chord: '1' is the Root (D#), '3' is the Major Third (F##), '5' is the Perfect Fifth (A#), and '6' is the Major Sixth (B#). Stacking these four intervals creates the unique sound of the D#6 chord.
Is the D#6 chord categorized as a major chord, or is it a different type?
Yes, the D#6 chord is fundamentally a type of major chord. It belongs to the 'Major Chords family' because it combines a major triad (Root, Major Third, Perfect Fifth) with an added Major Sixth interval. This addition gives it a richer, more sophisticated flavor while retaining its overall major quality.
What makes the D#6 chord an 'intermediate' level chord for guitarists?
The D#6 chord is considered intermediate because it involves four notes, often resulting in more complex fingerings than basic three-note major or minor chords. Understanding its theoretical construction, particularly the addition of the major sixth interval, also requires a slightly deeper grasp of music theory beyond beginner-level concepts.