Bb Dominant 13th
Notes:Bb – D – F – Ab – C – Eb – G
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 Bb Dominant 13th piano chord (Bb13) consists of the notes Bb, D, F, Ab, C, Eb, G. Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13 | Scale degrees: 1-3-5-b7-9-11-13.
Enharmonic equivalent: B♭ is enharmonically equivalent to A♯. See A# Dominant 13th.
Notes
Bb Dominant 13th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | Bb4 – D5 – F5 – Ab5 – C6 – G6 – Eb6 |
| 1st Inversion | D4 – F4 – Ab4 – C5 – G5 – Bb5 – Eb5 |
| 2nd Inversion | F4 – Ab4 – C5 – Eb5 – D6 – G5 – Bb5 |
Key Signature
The key of Bb Dominant 13th has 2 flats: B♭, E♭.
B♭E♭
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13
Intervals: P1-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13
The Bb 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.
Bb Dominant 13th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the Bb Dominant 13th chord?
The Bb Dominant 13th chord (Bb13) contains 7 notes: Bb, D, F, Ab, C, Eb, G. Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13.
How is Bb13 used in music?
Bb13 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 Bb13?
Bb13 uses scale degrees 1-3-5-b7-9-11-13, giving it its distinctive sound.
Practice Tips
- Start by placing your thumb on Bb and spacing remaining fingers across the chord.
- Practice Bb13 slowly with separate hands before combining.
- Listen carefully to the tension created by the altered tones in this chord.
- Try voicing Bb13 in different octaves to find the most comfortable position.
- Resolve Bb13 to a nearby chord to hear its function in context.