Meaning of a sixth in music
A sixth is a musical interval that consists of six notes, letters or positions in the scale. There are two main types of sixths:
- **Major sixth:** This spans nine semitones. For example, from C to A is a major sixth. This interval consists of the notes in a major triad (C, E, G) plus a major sixth (A).
- **Minor sixth:** This spans eight semitones. From C to Ab is a minor sixth. It consists of the notes of a minor triad (C, Eb, G) plus a minor sixth (Ab).
Sixths can play an important role in harmony, often forming part of sixth chords. Both major and minor sixth chords are commonly used.
Leave a Reply