Ab6 Guitar Chord

Ab6 is the A flat sixth chord. It has four notes: A flat, C, E flat and F. The shape on this page is the full six string version, with the root on the low E string at the 4th fret and the index laid across the top four at the 1st.

The full six string sixth: root on the low E at the 4th fret, the third under it on the A string, and the index flat across the top four at the 1st. Movable.

How to play Ab6, step by step

Index finger: press flat across the D to high E strings at fret 1
Middle finger: 3rd fret, A string
Ring finger: 4th fret, low E string
Strum all six strings.

This grip is an open G6 moved up one fret, with the low root now fretted. Slide it up another fret and you have A6 in the same shape.

More ways to play Ab6

There are 2 common Ab6 shapes in total: the standard one at the top of the page, plus these, easiest first. You only ever need one. Tap any card to hear it.

Ab6 guitar chord diagram, easier, small barre, played xx6868 — Easier, small barre

If it sounds uneven

The barred strings at the 1st fret buzz: The 1st fret is the hardest place to barre. Press just behind the fret wire, keep the finger straight, and turn it slightly onto its outer edge.
The reach to the 4th fret is a stretch: The ring finger takes the low E at the 4th fret while the index stays at the 1st. Drop the thumb behind the neck and let the wrist come forward to open the hand.
The chord sounds bottom heavy: Six strings with the root doubled low down is a lot of bass. Strum a little closer to the neck and lighten the first two strings if the chord swamps everything else.

What makes it an Ab6

A♭ · C · E♭ · F 1 3 5 6

Ab6 is an A flat major triad (A flat, C, E flat) with an F added, the sixth. The full triad is present, so the chord does the same job as plain A flat with a rounder finish.

The same four notes read from F spell Fm7. Ab6 and Fm7 are the same pitches, told apart only by which note is lowest.

Ab6 vs Abmaj7

Ab6 adds an F to the triad; Abmaj7 adds a G. The F is a whole step below the root and rests; the G is a half step below and leans on it, which is the sound people call dreamy.

A flat is a horn and piano key rather than a guitar key, so both chords tend to appear in jazz, soul and gospel material. The sixth is the more common of the two as a chord to finish on.

Ab6 chord questions

Is Ab6 the same as G#6?

Yes, one chord with two names. Flat spelling suits the keys this chord appears in, so Ab6 is used here; G#6 is the same shape and the same sound.

Is Ab6 the same as Fm7?

The four notes match: A flat, C, E flat and F. A flat in the bass gives Ab6, F in the bass gives Fm7.

Is there an easier Ab6?

Yes. The four string shape further down the page uses no barre and only needs the top four strings, which is the version to reach for if the 1st fret barre is fighting you.

What is the difference between Ab6 and Ab7?

Ab6 adds an F and settles. Ab7 adds a G flat and pushes toward D flat. One rests, the other moves.

Do you strum all six strings?

In this shape, yes. Every string sounds a note of the chord, with A flat doubled at the bottom and the top.