A♭6 7-string bass chord

How to play A♭6 on 7-string bass

The most common way, the first shape above: your index finger on the D string at the 1st fret and your middle finger on the G string at the 1st fret. Let the C and F strings ring open. Don’t play the B, E and A strings.

From the B string x x x 1 1 0 0 (x: not played, 0: open)

What notes are in A♭6?

A♭6, A♭ sixth, is A♭, C, E♭ and F: the root (A♭), the major third (C), the perfect fifth (E♭) and the major sixth (F). Its formula is 1 3 5 6.

Which chord has the same notes as A♭6?

Fm7. Both are A♭, C, E♭ and F; which one you hear depends on the bass note.

Can I play A♭ instead of A♭6?

Yes. A♭6 is A♭ with F added, a sweeter, older sound, heard in swing and early rock and roll.