Bb Major 13th
Notes:Bb – D – F – A – C – Eb – 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 Bb Major 13th piano chord (Bbmaj13) consists of the notes Bb, D, F, A, C, Eb, 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.
Enharmonic equivalent: B♭ is enharmonically equivalent to A♯. See A# Major 13th.
Notes
Bb Major 13th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | Bb4 – D5 – F5 – A5 – C6 – G6 – Eb6 |
| 1st Inversion | D5 – F5 – A5 – Bb5 – C6 – G6 – Eb6 |
| 2nd Inversion | F5 – A5 – Bb5 – C6 – D6 – G6 – Eb6 |
Key Signature
The key of Bb Major 13th has 2 flats: B♭, E♭.
B♭E♭
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-M3-P5-M7-M9-P11-M13
Intervals: P1-M3-P5-M7-M9-P11-M13
The Bb 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.
Bb Major 13th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the Bb Major 13th chord?
Practical voicing: Bb–D–A–C–G (root, third, seventh, ninth, thirteenth).
How does Bbmaj13 differ from Bb13?
Bbmaj13 has major seventh (A). Bb13 has minor seventh (Ab).
How is Bbmaj13 used in music?
Richest tonic in Bb Major — one of the most common jazz keys. Big band, jazz standards, R&B.
How does Bbmaj13 differ from Bbmaj9?
Adds the thirteenth (G) for sweet warmth.
What songs use Major 13th chords?
Jazz standards, big band, neo-soul.
Do I need to play all seven notes?
No — Bb–D–A–C–G.
Practice Tips
- Practical voicing: Bb–D–A–C–G.
- Bbmaj13 is the richest tonic in Bb — a standard jazz key.
- The thirteenth (G) gives warmth.
- Practice Cm11 → F13 → Bbmaj13.
- Rootless: D–A–C–G.
- Essential in big band and jazz standards.