Reference

Sixths

Sixths can be major, minor, augmented or diminished. Below you can see that the number of steps determines the quality of the interval:

Diminished sixth, 3 1/2 whole steps or 7 half steps

Minor sixth, 4 whole steps or 8 half steps

Major sixth, 4 1/2 whole steps or 9 half steps

Augmented sixth, 5 whole steps or 10 half steps

Identifying sixths

The easiest way to identify the quality of a sixth is by inverting the interval and identifying the resulting third. For example, the interval C#-A#:

• The inversion is A#-C#.
• We identify the resulting third.
• A#-C# is a minor 3rd. so C#-A# is a major 6th.

A major 6^th becomes a minor 3^rd when inverted

See Identifying Intervals by using Inversions for more information.