Construction
A♭ Major 13th = Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th + Major 7th + Major 2nd + Perfect 4th + Major 6th = A♭, C, E♭, G, B♭, D♭, F
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| A♭ | Root | 1 |
| C | Major 3rd | 3 |
| E♭ | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| G | Major 7th | 7 |
| B♭ | Major 2nd | 9 |
| D♭ | Perfect 4th | 11 |
| F | Major 6th | 13 |
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the A♭ Major 13th is the tonic (I) chord of A♭ Major, whose key signature has 4 flats (B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭).
B♭E♭A♭D♭
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 A♭ Major
These are the triads built on each degree of A♭ Major:
Scales That Include the A♭ Major 13th
- Ab Major (I)
- F Minor (III)
- Bb Dorian (VII)
- C Phrygian (VI)
- Db Lydian (V)
- Eb Mixolydian (IV)
- F Aeolian (III)
- G Locrian (II)
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes A♭ – C – E♭ – G – B♭ – D♭ – F 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:
A♭ Major 13th : Frequently Asked Questions
What is the A♭ Major 13th chord on piano?
The A♭ Major 13th chord contains the notes A♭ – C – E♭ – G – B♭ – D♭ – F. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
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.