SIXTH CHORD Meaning and
Definition
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A sixth chord is a musical chord that consists of a root note, a major or minor third above the root, a perfect fifth above the root, and an added sixth note above the root. It is also known as a tertiary chord, as it is formed by stacking thirds. The sixth chord can be classified into two main types: major sixth chords and minor sixth chords.
In major sixth chords, the sixth note is a major sixth above the root, creating a pleasant, bright and happy sound. For example, in the key of C major, a major sixth chord would be composed of the notes C-E-G-A.
On the other hand, minor sixth chords feature a minor sixth above the root, resulting in a slightly darker, more melancholic quality. For instance, in the key of C minor, a minor sixth chord would consist of C-E♭-G-A♭.
Sixth chords are commonly used in a variety of musical genres, including jazz, blues, and classical music. Their unique sound adds richness and color to compositions, making them a popular choice for chord progressions, harmonic structures, and improvisations.
Furthermore, sixth chords can also be inverted, meaning that one of the higher notes is played as the lowest note. These inversions can produce different voicings and musical effects, allowing musicians to experiment with different harmonic possibilities and create unique textures.
Etymology of SIXTH CHORD
The word "sixth chord" is derived from the combination of the words "sixth" and "chord".
The term "chord" originated from the Latin "chorda", which means "a string of a musical instrument". It was later developed in the 14th century to refer to a combination of three or more musical tones played together.
The word "sixth" comes from the Old English "siexta" and the Proto-Germanic "sehsuto", which both mean "sixth". In the context of music theory, "sixth" is used to describe the interval between two pitches that has five diatonic scale steps or six letter names.
Therefore, the term "sixth chord" refers to a specific type of chord that contains a sixth interval between its lowest and highest notes.
