Cb Major 13th
Notes:Cb – E – G – B – D – F – A
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 Cb Major 13th piano chord (Cbmaj13) consists of the notes Cb, E, G, B, D, F, A. 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
Cb Major 13th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | Cb4 – E4 – G4 – B4 – A5 – D5 – F5 |
| 1st Inversion | G4 – Cb4 – B4 – D5 – A5 – E5 – F5 |
| 2nd Inversion | Cb4 – B4 – D5 – E5 – A5 – F5 – G5 |
Key Signature
The key of Cb Major 13th has 7 flats: B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, G♭, C♭, F♭.
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭C♭F♭
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-M3-P5-M7-M9-P11-M13
Intervals: P1-M3-P5-M7-M9-P11-M13
The Cb 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.
Cb Major 13th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the Cb Major 13th chord?
Practical voicing: Cb–Eb–Bb–Db–Ab. Enharmonic equivalent of Bmaj13.
How does Cbmaj13 differ from Cb13?
Cbmaj13 has major seventh (Bb). Cb13 has minor seventh (Bbb/A).
How is Cbmaj13 used in music?
Enharmonic equivalent of Bmaj13. Musicians use Bmaj13 in practice.
What songs use Major 13th chords?
Jazz, fusion. Sound identical regardless of spelling.
How does Cbmaj13 differ from Cbmaj9?
Adds the thirteenth (Ab) for warmth.
Do I need to play all seven notes?
No — use practical voicing.
Practice Tips
- Cbmaj13 and Bmaj13 are enharmonic.
- Translate to Bmaj13 for easier reading.
- Keyboard notes identical.
- Understanding both spellings builds fluency.
- Drop fifth and eleventh for practical voicing.
- The thirteenth adds sweet warmth.