On an input shaft 1 are provided in order from a side of an engine E a torque converter 4 with a lock-up clutch, a first planetary gear set G1 as a multiplying mechanism, a counter drive gear 5 outputting a rotational drive force to a countershaft 2 , a second planetary gear set G2 as a speed-change element, a third planetary gear set G3 as a speed-change element. Accordingly, there can be provided an automatic transmission for six forward speeds with plural planetary gear sets, clutches and brakes that can properly reduce a clutch capacity and restrain gear noises with its compact and light-weighted structure.