C13 chord
C dominant thirteenth. One shape on the neck below, with the notes it's built from and the keys it belongs to.
Notes
- C
- 1
- E
- 3
- G
- 5
- Bb
- b7
- D
- 9
- A
- 13
The major third is what makes it sound bright and settled.
The minor seventh adds a bluesy edge and leaves the chord sounding unfinished.
The 13th stacks a 6th above the seventh, which opens the chord up and keeps it bright.
How to play C13
- Root on A
- x32335
Want to know why this chord works where it does? The Intermediate lessons cover it, and founding players get them first.
Keys with C13
C13 uses only notes from F major and D minor. It sounds most at home in F major.