A 13th chord on guitar is an extended chord that adds the 13th note of the scale to a seventh chord, creating a rich, colorful harmony often used in jazz, blues, funk, soul, and advanced songwriting. Unlike simple major or minor chords, 13th chords contain several additional tones that create more depth and movement.
Although a complete 13th chord theoretically contains seven notes, guitarists rarely play every note at once. Because a guitar has only six strings, players usually use simplified voicings that keep the most important chord tones while maintaining the characteristic 13th sound.
Before learning 13th chords, it helps to understand the foundation of guitar chord theory and how chords are built from scales.
What Is a 13th Chord on Guitar?
A 13th chord is part of the extended chord family, which expands basic triads by adding more scale degrees.
A basic triad contains:
- Root
- Third
- Fifth
A seventh chord adds:
- Seventh
Extended chords continue adding:
- Ninth
- Eleventh
- Thirteenth
For example, a C13 chord is built from the C major scale:
C – D – E – F – G – A – B
A dominant C13 chord contains:
- Root: C
- Major third: E
- Perfect fifth: G
- Minor seventh: Bb
- Ninth: D
- Eleventh: F
- Thirteenth: A
The complete theoretical formula is:
1 – 3 – 5 – ♭7 – 9 – 11 – 13
However, practical guitar voicings usually remove some notes because playing all seven tones is difficult.
How 13th Chords Are Built
The most common 13th chord is the dominant 13th chord.
Its structure is:
Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th + Minor 7th + 9th + 11th + 13th
Example: C13
| Chord Tone | Note |
|---|---|
| Root (1) | C |
| Major 3rd | E |
| Perfect 5th | G |
| Minor 7th | Bb |
| 9th | D |
| 11th | F |
| 13th | A |
The important tones that define the sound are usually:
- The third, which determines the chord quality
- The seventh, which creates dominant tension
- The thirteenth, which gives the chord its unique color
The fifth is often omitted because it does not strongly affect the chord’s character.
To understand how 13th chords fit into the larger extended chord system, you can also explore extended chords on guitar.
Common Types of 13th Guitar Chords
Dominant 13th Chords
Dominant 13th chords are the most commonly used 13th chords.
Formula:
1 – 3 – 5 – ♭7 – 9 – 11 – 13
Examples:
- C13
- G13
- A13
- E13
They create a warm but tense sound that works especially well in:
- Blues
- Jazz
- Funk
- Soul
Many guitarists use dominant 13th chords as a richer alternative to dominant seventh chords. Understanding dominant 7th chords on guitar helps explain why the 13th version feels like an expanded form of the same harmony.
Major 13th Chords
Major 13th chords replace the flat seventh with a major seventh.
Formula:
1 – 3 – 5 – 7 – 9 – 11 – 13
Example:
Cmaj13:
C – E – G – B – D – F – A
Major 13th chords have a bright, smooth, and sophisticated sound commonly found in jazz and modern harmony.
They are related to other major seventh extensions, such as major 7th chords on guitar.
Minor 13th Chords
Minor 13th chords contain a minor third and minor seventh.
Formula:
1 – ♭3 – 5 – ♭7 – 9 – 11 – 13
Example:
Cm13:
C – Eb – G – Bb – D – F – A
These chords create a deeper and more emotional sound often used in jazz, R&B, and neo-soul.
How to Play 13th Chords on Guitar
A complete 13th chord may require seven different notes, but guitarists usually create smaller voicings.
A practical guitar voicing often includes:
- Root
- Third
- Seventh
- Ninth
- Thirteenth
and may remove:
- Fifth
- Eleventh
For example, a C13 guitar voicing may focus on:
C – E – Bb – D – A
Even without every note, the listener still recognizes the 13th harmony because the defining tones remain.
When practicing 13th chords:
- Learn the basic shape.
- Identify the root note.
- Understand the included chord tones.
- Move the shape into different keys.
- Practice using it inside real chord progressions.
Learning different guitar chord shapes and chord voicings makes it easier to apply 13th chords creatively.
13th Chords vs 7th, 9th, and 11th Chords
13th chords are closely connected to other extended chords, but each extension adds a different harmonic color.
| Chord Type | Formula | Sound |
|---|---|---|
| 7th | 1-3-5-♭7 | Bluesy and tense |
| 9th | 1-3-5-♭7-9 | Smooth and richer |
| 11th | 1-3-5-♭7-9-11 | Open and colorful |
| 13th | 1-3-5-♭7-9-11-13 | Full and sophisticated |
A 13th chord is not simply a “higher” version of a 7th chord. Each added extension changes the emotional quality of the harmony.
You can compare these related sounds by learning about 9th chords guitar and 11th chords guitar.
Where Guitarists Use 13th Chords
Jazz
Jazz musicians frequently use 13th chords because they provide complex harmony while keeping a smooth musical flow.
Blues
Blues guitarists often replace traditional dominant seventh chords with dominant 13th chords to create a richer sound.
Funk
Funk rhythm guitar commonly uses extended chords because their colorful tones work well with rhythmic playing.
Songwriting
Songwriters use 13th chords when they want a progression to sound more emotional, sophisticated, or unexpected.
Common Mistakes When Playing 13th Chords
Trying to Include Every Note
A common mistake is believing that a 13th chord must always contain all seven notes. Guitarists regularly simplify these chords.
The goal is not to play every possible note but to keep the tones that create the chord’s identity.
Confusing 13th Chords With Added-Note Chords
A C13 chord is different from simply adding an A note to a C major chord. The seventh and other extensions are essential parts of the harmony.
Ignoring Chord Movement
13th chords sound best when they connect smoothly with surrounding chords. Understanding chord inversions on guitar can help create smoother transitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in a 13th chord?
A dominant 13th chord contains the root, major third, fifth, minor seventh, ninth, eleventh, and thirteenth. Guitar versions often omit some notes for easier playing.
Are 13th chords difficult to play on guitar?
13th chords can feel advanced at first because they contain many tones, but simplified guitar voicings make them accessible with practice.
What is the difference between a 13th chord and a 7th chord?
A 7th chord contains four main tones, while a 13th chord adds additional extensions such as the ninth, eleventh, and thirteenth.
When should I use 13th chords?
Use 13th chords when you want a richer and more colorful harmony, especially in jazz, blues, funk, soul, and songwriting.
Daniel Murphy is a guitar theory and chord analysis writer at GuitarChordIdentifier. He focuses on chord recognition, guitar harmony, music theory, and interactive learning tools for guitarists, musicians, songwriters, and beginners.