C Dominant 13th
Notes:C – E – G – Bb – D – F – A
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 C Dominant 13th piano chord (C13) consists of the notes C, E, G, Bb, D, F, A. Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13 | Scale degrees: 1-3-5-b7-9-11-13.
Notes
C Dominant 13th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | C4 – E4 – G4 – Bb4 – A5 – D5 – F5 |
| 1st Inversion | E4 – G4 – Bb4 – D5 – A5 – C6 – F5 |
| 2nd Inversion | G4 – Bb4 – D5 – F5 – A5 – C6 – E6 |
Key Signature
The key of C Dominant 13th has No sharps or flats.
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13
Intervals: P1-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13
The C 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.
C Dominant 13th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the C Dominant 13th chord?
The C Dominant 13th chord (C13) contains 7 notes: C, E, G, Bb, D, F, A. Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13.
How is C13 used in music?
C13 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 C13?
C13 uses scale degrees 1-3-5-b7-9-11-13, giving it its distinctive sound.
Practice Tips
- Start by placing your thumb on C and spacing remaining fingers across the chord.
- Practice C13 slowly with separate hands before combining.
- Listen carefully to the tension created by the altered tones in this chord.
- Try voicing C13 in different octaves to find the most comfortable position.
- Resolve C13 to a nearby chord to hear its function in context.