D Major 13th
Notes:D – F# – A – C# – E – G – B
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 D Major 13th piano chord (Dmaj13) consists of the notes D, F#, A, C#, E, G, B. 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
D Major 13th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | D4 – F#4 – A4 – C#5 – B5 – E5 – G5 |
| 1st Inversion | F#4 – A4 – C#5 – D5 – B5 – E5 – G5 |
| 2nd Inversion | A4 – C#5 – D5 – E5 – B5 – G5 – F#5 |
Key Signature
The key of D Major 13th has 2 sharps: F♯, C♯.
F♯C♯
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-M3-P5-M7-M9-P11-M13
Intervals: P1-M3-P5-M7-M9-P11-M13
The D 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.
D Major 13th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the D Major 13th chord?
Practical voicing: D–F#–C#–E–B (root, third, seventh, ninth, thirteenth).
How does Dmaj13 differ from D13?
Dmaj13 has major seventh (C#). D13 has minor seventh (C).
How is Dmaj13 used in music?
Richest tonic in D Major. Jazz, folk-jazz, acoustic.
How does Dmaj13 differ from Dmaj9?
Adds the thirteenth (B) for sweet warmth.
What songs use Major 13th chords?
Jazz ballads, bossa nova, neo-soul.
Do I need to play all seven notes?
No — D–F#–C#–E–B is practical.
Practice Tips
- Practical voicing: D–F#–C#–E–B.
- Dmaj13 is the richest tonic in D.
- The thirteenth (B) gives warmth.
- Practice Em11 → A13 → Dmaj13.
- Rootless: F#–C#–E–B.
- Beautiful in acoustic jazz.