Ab Major 13th
Notes:Ab – C – Eb – G – Bb – Db – 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 Ab Major 13th piano chord (Abmaj13) consists of the notes Ab, C, Eb, G, Bb, Db, 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.
Enharmonic equivalent: A♭ is enharmonically equivalent to G♯. See G# Major 13th.
Notes
Ab Major 13th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | Ab4 – C5 – Eb5 – G5 – F6 – Bb5 – Db6 |
| 1st Inversion | C5 – Eb5 – G5 – Ab5 – F6 – Bb5 – Db6 |
| 2nd Inversion | Eb5 – G5 – Ab5 – Bb5 – C6 – F6 – Db6 |
Key Signature
The key of Ab Major 13th has 4 flats: B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭.
B♭E♭A♭D♭
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-M3-P5-M7-M9-P11-M13
Intervals: P1-M3-P5-M7-M9-P11-M13
The Ab 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.
Ab Major 13th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the Ab Major 13th chord?
Practical voicing: Ab–C–G–Bb–F (root, third, seventh, ninth, thirteenth).
How does Abmaj13 differ from Ab13?
Abmaj13 has major seventh (G). Ab13 has minor seventh (Gb).
How is Abmaj13 used in music?
Richest tonic in Ab Major. R&B, neo-soul, gospel, jazz ballads.
How does Abmaj13 differ from Abmaj9?
Adds the thirteenth (F) for sweet warmth.
What songs use Major 13th chords?
Jazz ballads, R&B, neo-soul.
Do I need to play all seven notes?
No — Ab–C–G–Bb–F.
Practice Tips
- Practical voicing: Ab–C–G–Bb–F.
- Abmaj13 is the richest tonic in Ab — an R&B favourite.
- The thirteenth (F) gives warmth.
- Practice Bbm11 → Eb13 → Abmaj13.
- Rootless: C–G–Bb–F.
- Beautiful in gospel and neo-soul.