Gb Dominant 13th
Notes:Gb – Bb – Db – E – Ab – B – Eb
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 Gb Dominant 13th piano chord (Gb13) consists of the notes Gb, Bb, Db, E, Ab, B, Eb. Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13 | Scale degrees: 1-3-5-b7-9-11-13.
Enharmonic equivalent: G♭ is enharmonically equivalent to F♯. See F# Dominant 13th.
Notes
Gb Dominant 13th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | Gb4 – Bb4 – Db5 – E5 – B5 – Ab5 – Eb6 |
| 1st Inversion | Bb4 – Db5 – E5 – Ab5 – B5 – Eb6 – Gb6 |
| 2nd Inversion | Db4 – E4 – Ab4 – B4 – Bb5 – Eb5 – Gb5 |
Key Signature
The key of Gb Dominant 13th has 6 flats: B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, G♭, C♭.
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭C♭
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13
Intervals: P1-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13
The Gb 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.
Gb Dominant 13th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the Gb Dominant 13th chord?
The Gb Dominant 13th chord (Gb13) contains 7 notes: Gb, Bb, Db, E, Ab, B, Eb. Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13.
How is Gb13 used in music?
Gb13 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 Gb13?
Gb13 uses scale degrees 1-3-5-b7-9-11-13, giving it its distinctive sound.
Practice Tips
- Start by placing your thumb on Gb and spacing remaining fingers across the chord.
- Practice Gb13 slowly with separate hands before combining.
- Listen carefully to the tension created by the altered tones in this chord.
- Try voicing Gb13 in different octaves to find the most comfortable position.
- Resolve Gb13 to a nearby chord to hear its function in context.