The sixth is one of the most expressive and melodic intervals. This page covers how to spot it on the staff and how it is classified harmonically.
1. Visual shortcut: spotting a sixth on the staff
The crossing rule: a sixth always changes the kind of position.
- If the lower note is on a line, the upper note is in a space.
- If the lower note is in a space, the upper note is on a line.
A sixth covers 6 positions: 3 lines and 3 spaces, with four free positions between the notes. Example in treble clef: E4 (first line) and C5 (third space).
2. Reference table
Sixths are the inversions of thirds. Here are the exact half-step counts (UK: semitones) and the harmonic character of each:
| Interval quality | Half steps | Harmonic classification |
|---|---|---|
| Diminished 6th (d6) | 7 | Conditional dissonance (enharmonic to a perfect 5th) |
| Minor 6th (m6) | 8 | Imperfect consonance |
| Major 6th (M6) | 9 | Imperfect consonance |
| Augmented 6th (A6) | 10 | Conditional dissonance (enharmonic to a minor 7th) |
3. Identify sixths
These exercises identify sixths in treble and bass clef. Apply the visual rule before you answer.
4. Build sixths
A root note appears on the staff. Choose the type of sixth and click the position of the second note.
5. Printable sixth worksheets (PDF)
The same two skills, on paper: one sheet to identify written sixths and another to write them. Each has 42 melodic sixth intervals in treble clef spread over seven staves, starting with natural, ascending notes —the major and minor sixths that come out of the natural scale— and ending with sharps and flats and mixed directions. No exercise repeats the same two notes.
Identify sixths
Under each interval there is a line to write what kind of sixth it is and whether it ascends or descends (M6 ↑, m6 ↓…).
Download the worksheet (PDF A4) Answers
Write sixths
The reverse exercise: the first note and the interval to form are given, and the student places the second note on the staff, with its accidental if it needs one.
Download the worksheet (PDF A4) Answers
You may print and photocopy them freely for the classroom. Each answer sheet is the same worksheet with the answers in red, so you correct by laying one over the other. The rest —including the sheets that mix several intervals— is in interval worksheets in PDF, and if you want new sheets every time or to practice on screen choosing the intervals, in the custom interval quiz.
To train your ear as well, use the reference tones of the online tuner and compare the sound of each interval with a pure tone. The online metronome helps you build sight-reading speed.