Chord chart for C6 / A (3rd inversion) Guitar Chord: Notes, Shapes & Bass Note | Guitar Wiz

C6/A guitar shapes

Popular fretboard positions with fingering suggestions

Showing 8 of 230 playable shapes

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C6 / A (3rd inversion) guitar chord diagram showing fretboard positions

About the chord

C6 / A (3rd inversion)

C6/A is the C6 / A (3rd inversion) guitar chord with A in the bass. It uses the notes C, E, G, and A and the interval formula 1-3-5-6.

The C6 major 6 chord extends the major triad with a major sixth A, adding a warm, jazzy color. The sixth A creates a relaxed, nostalgic feel, enhancing major progressions in jazz, pop, and vintage ballads. With A in the bass, this voicing functions as the 3rd inversion of C6.

Also written as C6 and CM6/A.

Root note: C
Bass note: A
Chord tones: 4
Playable shapes: 230

Chord tones

CEGA

Common guitar voicings

These are quick-start shapes for players who want the answer first and the deeper theory second.

Shape x02010

x02010

View shape
  1. 1 Place the 1st finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd string.
  2. 2 Place the 2nd finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string.
  3. 3 Let the fifth, third, and first strings ring open.
  4. 4 Strum from the 5th string down.

Shape x02210

x02210

View shape
  1. 1 Place the 1st finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd string.
  2. 2 Place the 2nd finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string.
  3. 3 Place the 3rd finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd string.
  4. 4 Let the fifth and first strings ring open.
  5. 5 Strum from the 5th string down.

Notes & Intervals

Each note below shows how the chord is built from its root. This is the theory layer underneath the fretboard shapes.

C Unison (Root) 1

The root anchors the chord and defines its tonal center.

E Major Third 3

This note defines the chord's major quality and brings brightness to the sound.

G Perfect Fifth 5

The fifth reinforces stability and gives the chord its strong harmonic frame.

A Major Sixth 6

The sixth adds warmth and a slightly more relaxed extended color.

Shape details

Every shape is shown with its diagram and exact fingering instructions.

C6/A shape x02010

How to play this shape

  1. 1 Place the 1st finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd string
  2. 2 Place the 2nd finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string
  3. 3 Let the fifth, third, and first strings ring open
  4. 4 Do not play the sixth string
  5. 5 Strum from the fifth string down to the first string

C6/A shape x02210

How to play this shape

  1. 1 Place the 1st finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd string
  2. 2 Place the 2nd finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string
  3. 3 Place the 3rd finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd string
  4. 4 Let the fifth and first strings ring open
  5. 5 Do not play the sixth string
  6. 6 Strum from the fifth string down to the first string

C6/A shape x02013

How to play this shape

  1. 1 Place the 1st finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd string
  2. 2 Place the 2nd finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string
  3. 3 Place the 3rd finger on the 3rd fret of the 1st string
  4. 4 Let the fifth and third strings ring open
  5. 5 Do not play the sixth string
  6. 6 Strum from the fifth string down to the first string

C6/A shape x02213

How to play this shape

  1. 1 Place the 1st finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd string
  2. 2 Place the 2nd finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string
  3. 3 Place the 3rd finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd string
  4. 4 Place the 4th finger on the 3rd fret of the 1st string
  5. 5 Let the fifth string ring open
  6. 6 Do not play the sixth string
  7. 7 Strum from the fifth string down to the first string

C6/A shape x05553

How to play this shape

  1. 1 Place the 1st finger on the 3rd fret of the 1st string
  2. 2 Place the 2nd finger on the 5th fret of the 4th string
  3. 3 Place the 3rd finger on the 5th fret of the 3rd string
  4. 4 Place the 4th finger on the 5th fret of the 2nd string
  5. 5 Let the fifth string ring open
  6. 6 Do not play the sixth string
  7. 7 Strum from the fifth string down to the first string

C6/A shape 535050

How to play this shape

  1. 1 Place the 1st finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th string
  2. 2 Place the 2nd finger on the 5th fret of the 6th string
  3. 3 Place the 3rd finger on the 5th fret of the 4th string
  4. 4 Place the 4th finger on the 5th fret of the 2nd string
  5. 5 Let the third and first strings ring open
  6. 6 Strum from the sixth string down to the first string

C6/A shape x05550

How to play this shape

  1. 1 Place the 1st finger on the 5th fret of the 4th string
  2. 2 Place the 2nd finger on the 5th fret of the 3rd string
  3. 3 Place the 3rd finger on the 5th fret of the 2nd string
  4. 4 Let the fifth and first strings ring open
  5. 5 Do not play the sixth string
  6. 6 Strum from the fifth string down to the first string

C6/A shape x05555

How to play this shape

  1. 1 Place the 1st finger on the 5th fret of the 1st string, 2nd string, 3rd string, and 4th string in barre position
  2. 2 Let the fifth string ring open
  3. 3 Do not play the sixth string
  4. 4 Strum from the fifth string down to the first string

Quick answers

What notes are in C6/A?

C6/A uses the notes C, E, G, and A. Its interval formula is 1-3-5-6.

What is another name for C6/A?

C6/A is also written as C6 and CM6/A.

How do you play C6/A on guitar?

Place the 1st finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd string. Place the 2nd finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string. Let the fifth, third, and first strings ring open. Strum from the 5th string down.

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