Construction
E♭ Major 13th = Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th + Major 7th + Major 2nd + Perfect 4th + Major 6th = E♭, G, B♭, D, F, A♭, C
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| E♭ | Root | 1 |
| G | Major 3rd | 3 |
| B♭ | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| D | Major 7th | 7 |
| F | Major 2nd | 9 |
| A♭ | Perfect 4th | 11 |
| C | Major 6th | 13 |
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the E♭ Major 13th is the tonic (I) chord of E♭ Major, whose key signature has 3 flats (B♭, E♭, A♭).
B♭E♭A♭
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 E♭ Major
These are the triads built on each degree of E♭ Major:
Scales That Include the E♭ Major 13th
- Eb Major (I)
- C Minor (III)
- F Dorian (VII)
- G Phrygian (VI)
- Ab Lydian (V)
- Bb Mixolydian (IV)
- C Aeolian (III)
- D Locrian (II)
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes E♭ – G – B♭ – D – F – A♭ – C 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:
E♭ Major 13th : Frequently Asked Questions
What is the E♭ Major 13th chord on piano?
The E♭ Major 13th chord contains the notes E♭ – G – B♭ – D – F – A♭ – C. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the Eb Major 13th chord?
Practical voicing: Eb–G–D–F–C (root, third, seventh, ninth, thirteenth).
How does Ebmaj13 differ from Eb13?
Ebmaj13 has major seventh (D). Eb13 has minor seventh (Db).
How is Ebmaj13 used in music?
Richest tonic in Eb Major. Jazz, big band, R&B.
How does Ebmaj13 differ from Ebmaj9?
Adds the thirteenth (C) for sweet warmth.
What songs use Major 13th chords?
Jazz ballads, big band, neo-soul.
Do I need to play all seven notes?
No: Eb–G–D–F–C is practical.