B Major 13th
Notes:B – D# – F# – A# – C# – E – G#
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 B Major 13th piano chord (Bmaj13) consists of the notes B, D#, F#, A#, C#, E, G#. 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
B Major 13th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | B4 – D#5 – F#5 – A#5 – E6 – C#6 – G#6 |
| 1st Inversion | D#5 – F#5 – A#5 – B5 – E6 – C#6 – G#6 |
| 2nd Inversion | F#5 – A#5 – B5 – C#6 – E6 – D#6 – G#6 |
Key Signature
The key of B Major 13th has 5 sharps: F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯, A♯.
F♯C♯G♯D♯A♯
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-M3-P5-M7-M9-P11-M13
Intervals: P1-M3-P5-M7-M9-P11-M13
The B 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.
B Major 13th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the B Major 13th chord?
Practical voicing: B–D#–A#–C#–G# (root, third, seventh, ninth, thirteenth).
How does Bmaj13 differ from B13?
Bmaj13 has major seventh (A#). B13 has minor seventh (A).
How is Bmaj13 used in music?
Richest tonic in B Major. Contemporary jazz, fusion.
How does Bmaj13 differ from Bmaj9?
Adds the thirteenth (G#) for warmth.
What songs use Major 13th chords?
Jazz, fusion, atmospheric music.
Do I need to play all seven notes?
No — B–D#–A#–C#–G#.
Practice Tips
- Practical voicing: B–D#–A#–C#–G#.
- Bmaj13 in contemporary jazz and fusion.
- The thirteenth (G#) gives warmth.
- Practice C#m11 → F#13 → Bmaj13.
- Mostly sharp keys — distinctive shape.
- Bmaj13 and Cbmaj13 are enharmonic.