E Dominant 13th

Notes:E – G# – B – D – F# – A – C#
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 E Dominant 13th piano chord (E13) consists of the notes E, G#, B, D, F#, A, C#. Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13 | Scale degrees: 1-3-5-b7-9-11-13.

Notes

Notes:E – G# – B – D – F# – A – C#

E Dominant 13th Inversions

PositionNotes
Root PositionE4 – G#4 – B4 – D5 – A5 – C#6 – F#5
1st InversionG#4 – B4 – D5 – F#5 – A5 – E6 – C#6
2nd InversionB4 – D5 – F#5 – A5 – E6 – C#6 – G#6

Key Signature

The key of E Dominant 13th has 4 sharps: F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯.

F♯C♯G♯D♯

Theory: Intervals

Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13
Intervals: P1-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13

The E 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.

E Dominant 13th — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the E Dominant 13th chord?

The E Dominant 13th chord (E13) contains 7 notes: E, G#, B, D, F#, A, C#. Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13.

How is E13 used in music?

E13 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 E13?

E13 uses scale degrees 1-3-5-b7-9-11-13, giving it its distinctive sound.

Practice Tips

  • Start by placing your thumb on E and spacing remaining fingers across the chord.
  • Practice E13 slowly with separate hands before combining.
  • Listen carefully to the tension created by the altered tones in this chord.
  • Try voicing E13 in different octaves to find the most comfortable position.
  • Resolve E13 to a nearby chord to hear its function in context.