C Major 13th
Introduction
Notes
C Major 13th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | C4 – E4 – G4 – B4 – A5 – D5 – F5 |
| 1st Inversion | E4 – G4 – B4 – C5 – A5 – D5 – F5 |
| 2nd Inversion | G4 – B4 – C5 – D5 – A5 – E5 – F5 |
Key Signature
The key of C Major 13th has No sharps or flats.
Theory: Intervals
The C 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.
C Major 13th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the C Major 13th chord?
The C Major 13th chord (Cmaj13) theoretically contains all seven notes of the C Major scale: C, E, G, B, D, F, A. Practical voicing drops fifth and eleventh: C–E–B–D–A or C–B–D–A.
How does Cmaj13 differ from C13?
Cmaj13 has a major seventh (B). C13 has a minor seventh (Bb). Cmaj13 is lush and dreamy; C13 is dominant and driving. Completely different functions.
How does Cmaj13 differ from Cmaj9?
Cmaj13 adds the eleventh (F, often omitted) and thirteenth (A). The thirteenth gives the chord its sweet, warm top note.
How is Cmaj13 used in music?
Cmaj13 is the richest possible tonic chord in C Major. It appears in jazz ballads, bossa nova, neo-soul, and film scoring. It is the ultimate expression of major-key warmth.
What songs use Major 13th chords?
Major 13th voicings appear in sophisticated jazz, bossa nova, and neo-soul. Bill Evans, Pat Metheny, and modern jazz pianists use maj13 for the richest tonic sounds.
Do I need to play all seven notes?
No — drop the fifth and eleventh. C–E–B–D–A (root, third, seventh, ninth, thirteenth) is the standard voicing.
Practice Tips
- Practical voicing: C–E–B–D–A (drop fifth and eleventh).
- Cmaj13 is the richest tonic chord possible — pure major-key warmth.
- Compare Cmaj13 with C13 — major vs minor seventh changes everything.
- The thirteenth (A) on top gives the chord its sweet, warm character.
- Practice Dm11 → G13 → Cmaj13 for the lushest ii–V–I.
- Rootless: E–B–D–A for jazz comping — this is standard.