A Major 13th
Notes:A – C# – E – G# – B – D – F#
Formula:R-M3-P5-M7-M9-P11-M13
Intervals:P1-M3-P5-M7-M9-P11-M13
Scale Degrees:1-3-5-7-9-11-13
Introduction
The A Major 13th piano chord (Amaj13) consists of the notes A, C#, E, G#, B, D, F#. It is a major 11th chord with an added major 13th, giving it a lush, complete character that includes all seven diatonic scale degrees. Formula: R-M3-P5-M7-M9-P11-M13 | Scale degrees: 1-3-5-7-9-11-13.
Notes
A Major 13th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | A4 – C#5 – E5 – G#5 – B5 – D6 – F#6 |
| 1st Inversion | C#5 – E5 – G#5 – A5 – B5 – D6 – F#6 |
| 2nd Inversion | E5 – G#5 – A5 – B5 – D6 – C#6 – F#6 |
Key Signature
The key of A Major 13th has 3 sharps: F♯, C♯, G♯.
F♯C♯G♯
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-M3-P5-M7-M9-P11-M13
Intervals: P1-M3-P5-M7-M9-P11-M13
The A Major 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.
A Major 13th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the A Major 13th chord?
Practical voicing: A–C#–G#–B–F# (root, third, seventh, ninth, thirteenth).
How does Amaj13 differ from A13?
Amaj13 has major seventh (G#). A13 has minor seventh (G).
How is Amaj13 used in music?
Richest tonic in A Major. Acoustic jazz, folk-jazz, worship.
How does Amaj13 differ from Amaj9?
Adds the thirteenth (F#) for sweet warmth.
What songs use Major 13th chords?
Jazz, folk-jazz, acoustic music.
Do I need to play all seven notes?
No — A–C#–G#–B–F#.
Practice Tips
- Practical voicing: A–C#–G#–B–F#.
- Amaj13 is the richest tonic in A Major.
- The thirteenth (F#) gives warmth.
- Practice Bm11 → E13 → Amaj13.
- Rootless: C#–G#–B–F#.
- Beautiful in acoustic and worship settings.