Learn to play chords on the guitar, visually. Know how the different intervals are found on nearby frets with respect to roots on any string. Then you can find and play any chord on the fly, without having to struggle and remember by rote.
In this article, we will have a look at 6th chords, minor 6th chords, 6 add 9 and minor 6th add 9 chords, starting from roots on the 1st, 3rd and 6th strings.
Chords with root on the 1st 3rd and 6th strings
The above figure shows the roots and the frets in the vicinity, that we can find the needed intervals. On the guitar, we need to make sure that the notes are on frets close enough for a normal human to be able to physically play the pattern, with the restrictions on the number of fingers and finger span.
6th chord – 6th string root
Start with the root on the 6th string. Find nearby frets to play the major 3rd, 5th and major 6th notes to get the following chord pattern for the major 6th chord.
6 add 9 chord from the 6th chord
In the previous chord, change the Major 3rd note on the 3rd string to a Major 2nd note to play the 6 added 9th chord as shown below.
The above finger pattern plays on all the 6 chords by playing the root on the 1st string also.
Minor 6 add 9th chord – 1st string root
In the above chord, change the major 3rd note to a minor 3rd note to play the minor 6 added 9th chord:
Minor 6 add 9 chord with two small barres
Found this article useful? You will like the Guitar Chord Code.
The same chord in the previous diagram can be played as shown below using barres with both the second and 3rd fingers.

Minor 6th chord
In the above figure, shift the Major 2nd note on the 3rd string to a minor 3rd note to play the minor 6th chord.
Minor 6th chord – all strings used – root on 1st and 6th string

6th chord – 1st string root

Roots on different strings
Similarly, try moving around the notes to make chords, starting from roots on different strings.
- Start with roots on 1st and 4th string
- Start with roots on 2nd and 5th string
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