A Dominant 13th
Notes:A – C# – E – G – B – D – F#
Formula:R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13
Intervals:P1-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13
Scale Degrees:1-3-5-b7-9-11-13
Introduction
The A Dominant 13th piano chord (A13) consists of the notes A, C#, E, G, B, D, F#. Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13 | Scale degrees: 1-3-5-b7-9-11-13.
Notes
A Dominant 13th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | A4 – C#5 – E5 – G5 – B5 – D6 – F#6 |
| 1st Inversion | C#4 – E4 – G4 – B4 – A5 – D5 – F#5 |
| 2nd Inversion | E4 – G4 – B4 – D5 – A5 – C#6 – F#5 |
Key Signature
The key of A Dominant 13th has 3 sharps: F♯, C♯, G♯.
F♯C♯G♯
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13
Intervals: P1-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13
The A Dominant 13th is built by stacking intervals from the root note. The formula R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13 describes the scale degrees used. The intervals P1-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13 show the distance between each note in the chord.
A Dominant 13th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the A Dominant 13th chord?
The A Dominant 13th chord (A13) contains 7 notes: A, C#, E, G, B, D, F#. Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13.
How is A13 used in music?
A13 is used in jazz, fusion, and contemporary music to add harmonic color. It appears as a dominant or tonic chord depending on context.
What is the scale degree formula for A13?
A13 uses scale degrees 1-3-5-b7-9-11-13, giving it its distinctive sound.
Practice Tips
- Start by placing your thumb on A and spacing remaining fingers across the chord.
- Practice A13 slowly with separate hands before combining.
- Listen carefully to the tension created by the altered tones in this chord.
- Try voicing A13 in different octaves to find the most comfortable position.
- Resolve A13 to a nearby chord to hear its function in context.