What is a Minor Sixth?

A minor sixth is a musical interval that represents the distance between two notes that are eight semitones apart. In Western music theory, this interval occurs when the second note is six letter names higher than the first. For example, the distance between the notes C and A♭ forms a minor sixth.

The minor sixth has a distinctive sound that is often described as rich, emotional, or slightly tense. It appears in many musical melodies and harmonies and can add depth to a musical phrase. Because of its expressive quality, composers sometimes use this interval to create dramatic or melancholic musical moments.

Minor sixth intervals are also found in chords and scales across many musical styles. They play an important role in harmonic movement and melodic writing in classical, jazz, pop, and film music. Like other intervals, the minor sixth can appear in different octaves and can be used both melodically and harmonically in a composition.