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 no sharps or flats.
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
- C Major (I)
- A Minor (III)
- D Dorian (VII)
- E Phrygian (VI)
- F Lydian (V)
- G Mixolydian (IV)
- A Aeolian (III)
- B 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 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.