F Major 13th
Notes:F – A – C – E – G – Bb – D
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 F Major 13th piano chord (Fmaj13) consists of the notes F, A, C, E, G, Bb, D. 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
F Major 13th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | F4 – A4 – C5 – E5 – D6 – G5 – Bb5 |
| 1st Inversion | A4 – C5 – E5 – F5 – D6 – G5 – Bb5 |
| 2nd Inversion | C5 – E5 – F5 – G5 – A5 – D6 – Bb5 |
Key Signature
The key of F Major 13th has 1 flat: B♭.
B♭
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-M3-P5-M7-M9-P11-M13
Intervals: P1-M3-P5-M7-M9-P11-M13
The F 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.
F Major 13th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the F Major 13th chord?
Practical voicing: F–A–E–G–D (root, third, seventh, ninth, thirteenth). All white keys.
How does Fmaj13 differ from F13?
Fmaj13 has major seventh (E). F13 has minor seventh (Eb).
How is Fmaj13 used in music?
Fmaj13 is the richest IV chord in C Major. Jazz, bossa nova, singer-songwriter.
How does Fmaj13 differ from Fmaj9?
Adds the thirteenth (D) for sweet warmth.
What songs use Major 13th chords?
Jazz ballads, bossa nova, neo-soul.
Do I need to play all seven notes?
No — F–A–E–G–D is practical. All white keys.
Practice Tips
- Practical voicing is all white keys: F–A–E–G–D — one of the easiest maj13 shapes.
- Fmaj13 as IV in C Major is one of the most beautiful chord sounds.
- The thirteenth (D) gives warmth and sweetness.
- Try Cmaj9 → Fmaj13 for a gorgeous I–IV movement.
- Rootless: A–E–G–D for comping.
- Bossa nova favourite.