The F Major 13th chord is a seven-note chord made up of F, A, C, E, G, B♭, and D. It is built from a root, major third, perfect fifth, major seventh, major ninth, perfect eleventh, and major thirteenth.
Construction
F Major 13th = Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th + Major 7th + Major 2nd + Perfect 4th + Major 6th = F · A · C · E · G · B♭ · D
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| F | Root | 1 |
| A | Major 3rd | 3 |
| C | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| E | Major 7th | 7 |
| G | Major 2nd | 9 |
| B♭ | Perfect 4th | 11 |
| D | Major 6th | 13 |
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the F Major 13th is the tonic (I) chord of F Major, whose key signature has 1 flat (B♭).
B♭
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 F Major
These are the triads built on each degree of the F major scale:
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes F – A – C – E – G – B♭ – D 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:
F Major 13th — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the F Major 13th chord on piano?
The F Major 13th chord contains the notes F – A – C – E – G – B♭ – D. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
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.