E Major 13th
Notes:E – G# – B – D# – F# – A – C#
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 E Major 13th piano chord (Emaj13) consists of the notes E, G#, B, D#, F#, A, C#. 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
E Major 13th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | E4 – G#4 – B4 – D#5 – A5 – C#6 – F#5 |
| 1st Inversion | G#4 – B4 – D#5 – E5 – A5 – C#6 – F#5 |
| 2nd Inversion | B4 – D#5 – E5 – F#5 – A5 – C#6 – G#5 |
Key Signature
The key of E Major 13th has 4 sharps: F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯.
F♯C♯G♯D♯
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-M3-P5-M7-M9-P11-M13
Intervals: P1-M3-P5-M7-M9-P11-M13
The E 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.
E Major 13th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the E Major 13th chord?
Practical voicing: E–G#–D#–F#–C# (root, third, seventh, ninth, thirteenth).
How does Emaj13 differ from E13?
Emaj13 has major seventh (D#). E13 has minor seventh (D).
How is Emaj13 used in music?
Richest tonic in E Major. Contemporary jazz, fusion, dream pop.
How does Emaj13 differ from Emaj9?
Adds the thirteenth (C#) for sweet warmth.
What songs use Major 13th chords?
Jazz, fusion, atmospheric music.
Do I need to play all seven notes?
No — E–G#–D#–F#–C# is practical.
Practice Tips
- Practical voicing: E–G#–D#–F#–C#.
- Emaj13 in dream pop and atmospheric music.
- The thirteenth (C#) gives warmth.
- Practice F#m11 → B13 → Emaj13.
- Rootless: G#–D#–F#–C#.
- Sustain with reverb for atmospheric effect.