Lesson 9
The Major Sixth (M6)
M6
Naming
The Major Sixth (M6), gets its' name because one note of the interval is the sixth note of a scale (ascending or descending) beginning on the other note of the interval, and is exactly nine semitones higher or lower than the other note.Frequency Relationship
The third and fifth notes of the harmonic series have an interval of a major sixth.Ratio 5:3
300hz <-- lower --- 500hz --- higher --> 833-1/3hz
Note-name Relationship
Eb <-- M6 lower --- C --- M6 higher --> AHarmonic Effects
Harmonically, the Major 6th(M6) provides many of the same harmonic effects as the major third. The main difference is that the implied tonal focus of this interval is actually the note a perfect 4th above the lower note and a major third below the higher note. The other difference is that although the harmonic effect is the same as the major 3rd, the sound is a fuller sound. Because the tonal focus is implied, this interval sounds almost like a triad with the tonic note included.Melodic Effects
When played melodically, the major 6th focuses the melody toward the implied root of the interval. Many times the two notes of the interval are heard starting with the lower note, moving to the higher note, and followed by an interval of a major 3rd down to the implied root. An example of this is the three chime notes of the NBC logo theme.Tonal Relationships and Usages
The major sixth is used to add fullness to music.Inversion:
Minor ThirdNext Lesson
The Minor Third(m3)
