The G Dominant 13th chord is a seven-note chord made up of G, B, D, F, A, C, and E. It is built from a root, major third, perfect fifth, minor seventh, major ninth, perfect eleventh, and major thirteenth.
Construction
G Dominant 13th = Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th + Minor 7th + Major 2nd + Perfect 4th + Major 6th = G · B · D · F · A · C · E
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| G | Root | 1 |
| B | Major 3rd | 3 |
| D | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| F | Minor 7th | ♭7 |
| A | Major 2nd | 9 |
| C | Perfect 4th | 11 |
| E | Major 6th | 13 |
Key Signature
A dominant chord points home to the key a fifth below its root: the G Dominant 13th is the V (dominant) of C Major, so the relevant key signature is that key’s — no sharps or flats. Spelled as a scale, these notes are G Mixolydian.
Chords in the Key of C Major
These are the triads built on each degree of the C major scale:
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes G – B – D – F – A – C – E 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:
G Dominant 13th — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the G Dominant 13th chord on piano?
The G Dominant 13th chord contains the notes G – B – D – F – A – C – E. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the G Dominant 13th chord?
The G Dominant 13th chord (G13) contains 7 notes: G, B, D, F, A, C, E. Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13.
How is G13 used in music?
G13 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 G13?
G13 uses scale degrees 1-3-5-b7-9-11-13, giving it its distinctive sound.