Interval reference
Minor sixth
6 letter names · 8 semitones · C → A♭
A minor sixth spans 6 letter names and 8 semitones. Both halves of that description matter: the number comes from the letters, the quality from the exact size.
Starting on C, a minor sixth reaches A♭. Its shorthand is m6, and traditionally it counts as imperfect consonance.
How big it is
Turned upside down
Move the lower note up an octave and a minor sixth becomes a major third. The two numbers add up to nine, and the quality flips — major with minor, augmented with diminished, while perfect stays perfect.
Where you meet it
- The inversion of a major third
- Between the fifth and the third above it
From every starting note
| From | Up a minor sixth |
|---|---|
| C | A♭ |
| C♯ | A |
| D | B♭ |
| D♯ | B |
| E | C |
| F | D♭ |
| F♯ | D |
| G | E♭ |
| G♯ | E |
| A | F |
| A♯ | F♯ |
| B | G |