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