What notes are in a G♯6 chord?

G♯6 contains four notes: G♯ (root), B♯ (major third — same as C), D♯ (perfect fifth), and E♯ (major sixth — same as F).

Is G♯6 the same as A♭6?

Yes, enharmonically — same four pitches. A♭6 (four flats) is the universal practical spelling; G♯6 appears only in deeply chromatic sharp-key music.

Why is the third B♯ and not C?

Major scales use each of the seven letters exactly once. The G♯ major scale runs G♯-A♯-B♯-C♯-D♯-E♯-F𝄪 — using each letter in order. The third must sit on B, becoming B♯.

When would I see G♯6 in real music?

Essentially never as a working chord symbol. The spelling appears only in Bach's systematic key explorations (WTC) and in dense chromatic Romantic music.

G# major 6 chord — notes, intervals, and practice

G♯6 — G♯, B♯, D♯, E♯ — is a G♯ major triad with an added major sixth. The B♯ (enharmonic to C) and E♯ (enharmonic to F) reveal the chord's deep-sharp-side spelling. In practical music the chord is universally written A♭6, which uses friendlier flats.

Intervals

The G# major 6 chord stacks two thirds on the root. Each interval and its size in semitones:

G#→B#major 3rd4 semitones
B#→D#minor 3rd3 semitones
D#→E#major 2nd2 semitones

On the keyboard

Each note of the G# major 6 chord highlighted on a piano. Pitch class is what matters — any octave works.

On the guitar

One voicing of the G# major 6 chord on a six-string guitar fretboard.

Common mistakes

G♯6 uses B♯ and E♯ — both enharmonic to naturals. The spelling appears only in deep sharp-key music (around C♯ major or G♯ major). In all practical jazz and popular notation, A♭6 is the standard spelling.

In context

G♯6 doesn't function as a working chord outside theoretical sharp-key explorations. The enharmonic A♭6 covers all practical uses.

Drill it

The G# major 6 chord is one of 48 in the Chord Trainer. Open the full trainer to practice it alongside related chords with timing and best-time tracking.

Open the Chord Trainer →Or try today's Etudle puzzle

Frequently asked

What notes are in a G♯6 chord?: G♯6 contains four notes: G♯ (root), B♯ (major third — same as C), D♯ (perfect fifth), and E♯ (major sixth — same as F).
Is G♯6 the same as A♭6?: Yes, enharmonically — same four pitches. A♭6 (four flats) is the universal practical spelling; G♯6 appears only in deeply chromatic sharp-key music.
Why is the third B♯ and not C?: Major scales use each of the seven letters exactly once. The G♯ major scale runs G♯-A♯-B♯-C♯-D♯-E♯-F𝄪 — using each letter in order. The third must sit on B, becoming B♯.
When would I see G♯6 in real music?: Essentially never as a working chord symbol. The spelling appears only in Bach's systematic key explorations (WTC) and in dense chromatic Romantic music.