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