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 4 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯).
F♯C♯G♯D♯
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 E Major
These are the triads built on each degree of E Major:
Scales That Include the E Major 13th
- E Major (I)
- C# Minor (III)
- F# Dorian (VII)
- G# Phrygian (VI)
- A Lydian (V)
- B 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 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.