6ths on Guitar

6ths on Guitar

A 6th is a wide interval that skips one string between the two notes. On guitar this typically means playing strings 1 and 3, or strings 2 and 4, with the middle string muted.

6ths have a sweet, open quality that works beautifully for melodies, intros, and fills. They are the backbone of classic soul and R&B guitar styles — think of the signature sound in Motown recordings.

Because the interval is wider than a 3rd, 6ths require a different fretting-hand stretch. The muted middle string is handled by lightly touching it with the underside of whichever finger is on the higher string.

6ths in G Major

6ths in G major skip one string between notes, creating a wide, sweet interval pattern.

Play 6ths in G Major

• Mute the middle string by lightly resting a fretting finger against it
• Play ascending 6ths slowly, then descend back to the starting pair
• Aim for both notes sounding at exactly the same time with equal volume