A series of 6-substituted 3- or 4-methyl- and 4,4-dimethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carbolines was prepared by reduction of the appropriate 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1-oxo-β-carbolines. Lithium aluminium hydride was employed for all but the 3-methyl compounds, which required either sodium–butanol or diborane to effect the reduction. A simple preparation is also described for 5-halo-β-methyl- and 5-halo-β,β-dimethyl-tryptamines.