Construction
F Dominant 13th = Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th + Minor 7th + Major 2nd + Perfect 4th + Major 6th = F, A, C, E♭, G, B♭, D
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| F | Root | 1 |
| A | Major 3rd | 3 |
| C | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| E♭ | Minor 7th | ♭7 |
| G | Major 2nd | 9 |
| B♭ | Perfect 4th | 11 |
| D | Major 6th | 13 |
Key Signature
A dominant chord points home to the key a fifth below its root: the F Dominant 13th is the V (dominant) of A♯ Major, so the relevant key signature is that key's — 2 flats (B♭, E♭). Spelled as a scale, these notes are F Mixolydian.
B♭E♭
Order of flats
Flats are added in a fixed order — the reverse of the sharp order. Each new flat key adds the next flat on the list.
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭C♭F♭
Mnemonic: Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles’ Father
Chords in the Key of F Major
These are the triads built on each degree of F Major:
Scales That Include the F Dominant 13th
- Bb Major (V)
- G Minor (VII)
- C Dorian (IV)
- D Phrygian (III)
- Eb Lydian (II)
- F Mixolydian (I)
- G Aeolian (VII)
- A Locrian (VI)
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes F – A – C – E♭ – G – B♭ – D aren’t exclusive to this chord. Depending on which note is the bass and how the chord functions, the same pitches also spell the following:
F Dominant 13th : Frequently Asked Questions
What is the F Dominant 13th chord on piano?
The F Dominant 13th chord contains the notes F – A – C – E♭ – G – B♭ – D. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the F Dominant 13th chord?
The F Dominant 13th chord (F13) contains 7 notes: F, A, C, Eb, G, Bb, D. Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13.
How is F13 used in music?
F13 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 F13?
F13 uses scale degrees 1-3-5-b7-9-11-13, giving it its distinctive sound.