Back to alphabetical overview – click here
Sixth – Definition
A sixth is a musical interval spanning six letter names. The two most common forms are the major sixth (nine semitones) and the minor sixth (eight semitones).
What is a Sixth?
A major sixth occurs naturally between the first and sixth degrees of a major scale, while a minor sixth occurs between the first and sixth degrees of a natural minor scale. Sixths are considered consonant intervals and are widely used in melodies, harmony, and accompaniment.
A sixth is the inversion of a third: when a major third is inverted it becomes a minor sixth, and a minor third becomes a major sixth.
How is a Sixth used in piano playing?
Pianists often harmonize melodies in sixths to create a rich, singing sound. Sixths also appear frequently in chord voicings and melodic fills across pop, jazz, blues, gospel, and classical music.
Learning to recognize and play sixths improves ear training, harmony, and melodic accompaniment.