Bbm6: guitar chord voicings, inversions, scales and arpeggios

Bbm6 (Min6) is an interactive GuitarArcanum page with chord formula, intervals, voicings, inversions, triads, pentatonic patterns, scales and arpeggios on the fretboard.

Chord formula

Interval formula: 1 b3 5 6. A minor triad with a natural 6th. A cool, smooth minor with a Dorian flavor.

Chord tones

The b3 sets the minor, and the natural 6th gives Dorian light instead of a dark Aeolian color. A stable, finished sound.

Sound character

Cool, smooth and slightly vintage — a Dorian minor, not a crying one.

Harmonic function

A (Dorian) minor tonic or the ii chord. A good minor chord to end on.

Typical progressions

  • Bbm6 (Dorian vamp)
  • Bbm6 – Cm7b5 – F7
  • Gm6 at the end

Guitar voicing advice

Root on the 5th string, the 6th sits well as the top voice. It shares its notes with an m7b5 from the 6th — the bass decides the role.

Compatible scales for Bbm6

Open interactive scale pages that naturally pair with this chord.

Other chord qualities on the Bb root

Compare this chord with other qualities sharing the same root.