Music Theory: Major Sixths

Today we wrap up sixths with a delightfully digestible look at major sixths. Major sixths—a whopping nine half steps wide—have a similar sweetness and richness to thirds and minor sixths. Like these counterparts, sixths feature heavily in chords, which we’ll learn about soon (so exciting!).

Whether you know it or not, you’ve known and loved major sixths since you were a child, blissfully singing “My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean.” The major sixth lives between the first two notes in “My” and “Bon-”. This makes this tune a perfect reference to quickly pull the sweet sound of a major sixth to your ear.

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Take a look at our updated listening reference guide below. I encourage you to sing through each example every week to start getting acquainted with these intervals and their unique qualities.

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