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    Written byLida van der Eijk
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    YoutubeMusic Theory Video SeriesA step-by-step guide to music theory fundamentals. These 60-second videos provide a clear, structured path to understanding how music works, optimized for a full-screen learning experience.YoutubeMusic Theory ShortsMaster music theory concepts in 60 seconds or less. Quick, vertical videos designed to give you essential theory knowledge in a fast-paced, mobile-friendly format.
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    1. Home
    2. Interval Library
    3. C
    4. Major sixth

    Major sixth

    The distance spanning six note names, with 9 semitones between them.

    M69 semitones


    Examples of Major sixth used in songs

    Real tracks where you can hear this interval and practice it with movable-do syllables.

    Guitar diagrams

    Which chords use the Major sixth interval?

    Chords whose formulas include this interval from the root note.

    Which scales use the Major sixth interval?

    Scales whose formulas include this interval.

    Similar intervals

    Intervals with a comparable quality and character.

    Practice the Major sixth interval

    Open the app and start your daily workout!

    Learn music theory with sonid

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    Sheet music

    Practice the Major sixth interval

    Open the app and start your daily workout!

    Learn music theory with sonid

    Available on Android and iOS

    Angels

    Robbie Williams

    The first two notes of the melody form a major sixth. This repeats itself many times in the verse.

    Natural Woman

    Carole King

    This is a song for all female Sonid-fans! The first time Carole King sings 'CAUSE-YOU make me feel you can hear the major sixth.

    Drops of Jupiter

    Train

    In the beginning of the first two sentences of the verse you can hear the major sixth.

    Days of Wine and Roses

    Julie London

    In this Jazz Stand you'll hear the major sixth in the first two notes of the verse.

    As

    Stevie Wonder

    After the Do-Do-Do-Do-Do intro you can hear the major sixth when Stevie sings A-ROUND and THE-ROSEBUDS in the second sentence. You can hear the iterval several times in the verses.

    A Whiter Shade of Pale

    Procol Harum

    In the verse you'll hear a major sixth in the first two notes of the first sentence (WE-SKIPPED) en of the fourth sentence (THE-CROWD).

    Can't Stop Loving You

    Phil Collins

    When Phil sings EVERYTHING you'll hear a descending and ascending major sixth. This repeats itself throughout the song.

    Graceland

    Paul Simon

    Let's start dancing with Sir Paul Simon. The first two notes THE-MISS en afterwards WAS-SHINING form a major sixth.

    Let it be

    The Beatles

    You'll hear the major sixth in the chorus, when Let it be is sang for the fourth time.

    Three little birds

    Bob Marley

    In this lovely song you'll hear the major sixth several times. Every time Bob Marley sings 'CAUSE-EVERY little thing, he jumps from an A to an F, which forms a major sixth.

    The major sixth (M6) is a consonant interval with a warm, lyrical color. It spans 9 semitones and appears often in melodies, chord extensions, and smooth voice leading.

    Construction and spelling

    M6 runs from a note to its sixth letter name, such as C to A, F to D, or D to B. It belongs to the major/minor interval family. Correct spelling keeps harmonic function and tonal context clear.

    Harmonic and melodic usage

    Melodically, M6 leaps sound expressive and singing-friendly, common in lyrical themes. Harmonically, sixth relationships appear in first inversion sonorities and in 6-chord colors. In arranging, M6 contributes warmth without strong dissonant pull.

    Examples

    • Melodic lines with characteristic sixth leaps in songs and themes
    • Major 6 chord color in jazz, pop, and soul voicings
    • Voice-leading patterns linking chord tones by sixth

    In practice

    Practice M6 ascending and descending from many roots and sing it against drones to lock intonation. Compare M6 with m6 to hear brightness versus darker color. Reliable M6 recognition improves melodic phrasing and harmonic awareness.

    Major second
    Major third
    Major sixth
    Major seventh
    Major ninth
    Major thirteenth
    Major tenth
    C 6
    C 13♭5
    C 69♯11
    C 6add9
    C M6♯11
    C M7add13
    C m6
    C m69
    C o7M7
    C Major
    C Bebop
    C Bebop major
    C Bebop minor
    C Chromatic
    C Composite blues
    C Diminished
    C Dorian
    C Dorian sharp four
    C Dorian ♭2
    C Flat three pentatonic
    C Half whole diminished
    C Hungarian major
    C Ichikosucho
    C Kafi raga
    C Locrian sixth
    C Lydian
    C Lydian sharp ninth
    C Lydian Augmented
    C Lydian diminished
    C Lydian Dominant
    C Major augmented
    C Major blues
    C Major pentatonic
    C Melodic minor
    C Messiaen's mode 7
    C Minor six diminished
    C Minor six pentatonic
    C Mixolydian
    C Neopolitan major
    C Oriental
    C Piongio
    C Prometheus
    C Prometheus neopolitan
    C Ritusen
    C Scriabin
    C Six tone symmetric