A13

Theory

The dominant thirteenth chord is the complete dominant stack: root, major third (C#), perfect fifth, minor seventh, major ninth, perfect eleventh, and major thirteenth. A13 uses A, C#, E, G, B, D, F#. The thirteenth (major sixth an octave higher) provides a bright, warm color that sits on top of the full dominant stack. In jazz, the thirteenth chord is voiced selectively — typically root, third, flat-seventh, and thirteenth — to capture the chord's essential character without muddiness. The thirteenth itself is often the melody note over a V chord, giving that warm "jazz ending" sound. In gospel, the V13 chord creates maximum harmonic richness before resolving to the tonic.

Intervals & Formula

Formula: 1 – 3 – 5 – ♭7 – 9 – 11 – 13

Musical Meaning

Dominant seventh chords are the harmonic engine that drives music forward. Their combination of major third and minor seventh creates tension that pulls powerfully toward the tonic — making them the most directional chord in Western music.

Sounds Like This

⚡ Other tense sounds to explore

Voicing Tips

Never play all seven notes of a thirteenth chord simultaneously — it becomes muddy. Instead, select key tones: root, third, flat-seventh, and thirteenth for the essential sound. Or: root, flat-seventh, ninth, thirteenth. In jazz, rootless voicings are common: third–flat-seventh–ninth–thirteenth in the right hand over the root in the bass.

Practical Uses

• V13 chord in jazz — the complete dominant seventh with all extensions
• Big band and orchestral harmonic richness
• Gospel turnaround chord with maximum color
• Final V chord in jazz arrangements before major resolution

Common Progressions

Related Chords