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 3 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯).
F♯C♯G♯
Order of sharps
Sharps are added to a key signature in a fixed order. Each new sharp key adds the next sharp on the list.
F♯C♯G♯D♯A♯E♯B♯
Mnemonic: Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle
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
- A Major (I)
- F# Minor (III)
- B Dorian (VII)
- C# Phrygian (VI)
- D Lydian (V)
- E 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 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#.