Finger Positions

Root Note C

Name C over A

Intervals 1P-3M-5P-6M-11A

Relative Minor Am

Notes C, E, G, A, F#

Aliases CM6#11, CM6b5, C6#11, C6b5

How to play the C6b5/A Chord

The C6b5/A is a fundamental major chord in guitar music. To play this chord correctly, ensure your fingers are placed precisely on the frets indicated in the diagram above.

Music Theory Analysis

From a theoretical perspective, the C over A is built using the 1P, 3M, 5P, 6M, 11A intervals. In the key of C Major, this chord functions as the I chord.

Common Progressions

In music composition, the C6b5/A chord is often used to create tension or resolution.

I-V-vi-IV

C → G → Am → F

vi-IV-I-V

Am → F → C → G

The Diatonic Family

Understanding the "family" of chords that belong to C helps with transposition and ear training.

Triads

C Dm Em F G Am Bdim

7ths

Cmaj7 Dm7 Em7 Fmaj7 G7 Am7 Bm7b5

Scale Compatibility

View All Scales

Lydian Lydian Dominant Hungarian Major Lydian #9 Ichikosucho Half-Whole Diminished Composite Blues Chromatic

* 8 scales found containing the notes C, E, G, A, F#.

Acoustic & Digital Analysis

Digital footprint of the C6b5/A chord for MIDI programming and synthesizer sound design.

MIDI Numbers 60, 64, 67, 69, 66

Frequencies (Hz)

261.6255653005986, 329.6275569128699, 391.99543598174927, 440, 369.9944227116344