Construction
D Major 13th = Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th + Major 7th + Major 2nd + Perfect 4th + Major 6th = D, F♯, A, C♯, E, G, B
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| D | Root | 1 |
| F♯ | Major 3rd | 3 |
| A | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| C♯ | Major 7th | 7 |
| E | Major 2nd | 9 |
| G | Perfect 4th | 11 |
| B | Major 6th | 13 |
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the D Major 13th is the tonic (I) chord of D Major, whose key signature has 2 sharps (F♯, C♯).
F♯C♯
Order of sharps
Sharps are added to a key signature in a fixed order. Each new sharp key adds the next sharp on the list.
F♯C♯G♯D♯A♯E♯B♯
Mnemonic: Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle
Chords in the Key of D Major
These are the triads built on each degree of D Major:
Scales That Include the D Major 13th
- D Major (I)
- B Minor (III)
- E Dorian (VII)
- F# Phrygian (VI)
- G Lydian (V)
- A Mixolydian (IV)
- B Aeolian (III)
- C# Locrian (II)
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes D – F♯ – A – C♯ – E – G – B 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:
D Major 13th : Frequently Asked Questions
What is the D Major 13th chord on piano?
The D Major 13th chord contains the notes D – F♯ – A – C♯ – E – G – B. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
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.