The chord collection

The D6 chord, left-handed

Advanced · Major sixth. Build the shape, check each string and hear how it sounds.

Left-handed D6 diagram

Vertical: high e on the left, nut at the top. Horizontal: high e at the top, nut on the right. X = silent, O = open. Dot numbers are fingers: 1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 little. A thick line joins notes held with one finger as a barre.

Fret and finger guide

Both codes read from low E to high e, regardless of the diagram view.

Frets
x · 5 · 4 · 4 · 3 · 5
Fingers
– · 3 · 2 · 2 · 1 · 4
Level
Advanced (this fingering)

Make a clean D6 chord

Pick only the sounding strings. Keep X-marked strings silent, place each finger just behind its fret wire, and release pressure between attempts.

  1. Place one finger at a time, just behind the fret wire.
  2. Pick each sounding string slowly. Adjust any finger that mutes its neighbour.
  3. Release pressure, then make the shape again. Aim for a relaxed hand.
  4. Strum four beats, rest for four, then repeat. Rest if your hand becomes tired; stop if you feel pain.

More fingering ideas

Compare the alternative voicing and choose the position that sounds clear without straining your hand.

Fret codes are written low E to high e. An x means leave that string silent.

Practise chord changes with a metronome →
Understand the sound

D6 notes and chord formula

A major sixth adds the sixth to a major triad. Compare C with C6 and listen to the extra A note; a sixth chord has no seventh.

Formula
1 – 3 – 5 – 6
Chord notes
D – F# – A – B

This shape contains every degree of the chord formula.

How to read chord diagrams · Build a comfortable barre · Connect chord shapes with CAGED

Explore related shapes

Back to all 288 chord diagrams →