Do you want to know more about the sound of the different intervals? Our Spotify playlist helps you practice and train your ears. This time we take a look at the minor sixth interval. In the end we give you some examples of songs with a minor sixth.
More about the minor sixth
If you want to understand the minor sixth, you’ll first have to understand the sixth interval. So, there is a major sixth and a minor sixth. A sixth contains six whole notes. But the major sixth contains 9 semitones, while the minor sixth contains eight. So it means dat C to A is a major sixth, but C to Ab is a minor sixth. You’ll just have to count and do the math!
Of course a minor sixth has it’s own sound. Some would say it sounds a bit ominous, but at the same time it’s compelling and romantic. The minor sixth is not often included in chords. You would think this interval is a part of the minor sixth chord, but this is not the case. However, you’ll find the minor sixth in more advanced chords, like m9#5 or 7b6.
Songs with a minor sixth
Muse - Screenager
The song “Screenager” by Muse starts with an intro on guitar that sounds a bit ominous. The whole introduction builds upon the jump from the D to the Bb. This is the minor sixth. It’s in the whole song, but gets a bit overruled by the vocals.
Usher - Yeah
The minor sixt is also used in other musical genres. Listen to the song Yeah by Usher. The introduction features synthesizers that play a perfect fifth interval, than two times a minor sixth, and back to a perfect fifth.
Scott Joplin - The Entertainer
This is a song that doesn’t need an introduction, so I’ll try to keep it short. The whole theme is build upon the minor sixth. You’ll here it in the three big jumps.
Radiohead - (nice dream)
This song has the tipical Radiohead sound. A bit melancholic and sad. The beautiful voice of Thomas Edward York sings F#-D at Brother. This is a minor sixth.
Sinead O’conner - Nothing Compares to U
This beautiful song features a minor sixth. Sinead sings a it in the second chorus at Nothing Compares. It sounds really haunting. She repeats this melody a few times in the end of the song.
Jack Jones - A day in the life of a fool
The minor sixth is also included in jazz music. The melody in this song begins at A-Day with a minor sixth (C#-A).
Fun - We are Young
We are Young was a big hit in 2011. This song is an excellent reference for the minor sixth, because it’s very clear. Just listen to the chorus and you’ll here it at the words Fire and Brighter. Can it be any more clear?
