The Secret Note That Instantly Improves Any Riff or Lick

What if I told you there's a special note hiding right under your fingers - one you can find anywhere on the fretboard - that adds instant mojo and magic to any riff or lick? Well, I’m about to show you exactly how to find it and use it right away.

Today we’re diving into one of my all-time favorite intervals. It took me ages to discover this one myself, and I wish someone had shown me earlier. It's called the minor sixth, and I promise, once you get it under your fingers, you'll wonder how you ever played without it.

Why It Matters

You’re probably familiar with chord tones - the solid, reliable notes that make up your chords. These are the strong landing points when writing melodies, solos, or riffs. But just beside those strong tones live the more colorful notes - the ones that add character, mood, and sometimes tension. They can sound horrible if used wrong, or incredibly cool when used right.

The minor sixth is one of those magical notes. It adds a dark, slightly dissonant, melancholic flavor that works beautifully in metal, rock, or any emotional playing. It’s not "wrong" - it’s powerful.

How To Find It

Start with any power chord - for example, E5 on the low strings. Now, take the fifth (the higher note of your power chord) and move it up by one fret. That’s it. You've just played a minor sixth interval.

Example: if you’re playing an E5 (open E + 2nd fret A), shift that 2nd fret note up to the 3rd fret. That’s the magic note. It sounds like this:

(play open E and 3rd fret A)

You can apply this trick anywhere on the fretboard. Power chord up on the 12th fret? No problem. Move that fifth up one fret and boom - minor sixth. It’s everywhere. The fretboard is full of them, and once you start seeing it, it opens up so many musical options.

What Makes It So Good?

The fifth is probably the most stable and strong-sounding interval in rock music. It’s why power chords are built on it. The minor sixth sits right next to it - like its slightly twisted cousin - and it brings contrast, spice, and attitude.

I often start riffs or melodies using the minor sixth because it immediately creates interest. It’s edgy but still musical. It’s close enough to the “safe zone” of the fifth that it doesn't sound random or jazzy - but it definitely has its own emotional weight.

Final Thoughts

So here's your mission: find a power chord, move that fifth up one fret, and fall in love with the minor sixth. Use it all over the neck. Use it to start riffs, break up patterns, or add color to melodies. It’s the best-kept secret that shouldn’t be a secret anymore.

Go play it all day. Seriously. And if you record something using this idea, I’d love to hear it. Send it my way!

See you next time!