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 5 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯, A♯).
F♯C♯G♯D♯A♯
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 B Major
These are the triads built on each degree of B Major:
Scales That Include the B Major 13th
- B Major (I)
- G# Minor (III)
- C# Dorian (VII)
- D# Phrygian (VI)
- E 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 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#.