Root 6 Sixth Bar Chord
E6
Open E6 Chord Shape
E6
Modified E6 Chord Shape
The open E sixth (E6) chord shape is usually played using four fingers. For this shape to be used as a basis for the root 6 bar chord it must be modified to use only three fingers. This allows the first finger of the left hand to be used as a bar. The fourth string is "deadened" by the finger lightly touching it. This deadened note is indicated by an X .
G6
C6
Bb6
The following progression contains these three chord shapes. The Db6 chord is played using the same shape at the 9th fret.
Rhythm Pattern
Staccato Rhythm
A dot placed above a strum symbol indicates that the strum is to be played Staccato i.e., cut short. When playing a staccato strum all six strings are stopped from sounding immediately after the strum. When applying a staccato strum to a bar chord there are two ways to stop the strings from sounding.
- Placing the edge of the right hand over the strings immediately after the strum.
- By releasing pressure of the left hand (but still touching the strings lightly) immediately after the strum. This method can be used for Bar chord and Jazz chord shapes.
Practice the following staccato rhythm pattern holding a root 6 G major chord. Play the pattern twice.
Rhythm Pattern
Play the following 12 Bar Blues progression using the root 6 major, sixth and seventh chord shapes. When playing the seventh chord use the optional note. Notice that only the fourth finger moves when changing between the major, sixth and seventh chord shapes. Each chord receives two beats per bar. Play this progression using the staccato rhythm pattern.
Rhythm Pattern
