G Major 13th
Notes:G – B – D – F# – A – C – E
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 G Major 13th piano chord (Gmaj13) consists of the notes G, B, D, F#, A, C, E. 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
G Major 13th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | G4 – B4 – D5 – F#5 – A5 – C6 – E6 |
| 1st Inversion | B4 – D5 – F#5 – G5 – A5 – C6 – E6 |
| 2nd Inversion | D5 – F#5 – G5 – A5 – B5 – C6 – E6 |
Key Signature
The key of G Major 13th has 1 sharp: F♯.
F♯
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-M3-P5-M7-M9-P11-M13
Intervals: P1-M3-P5-M7-M9-P11-M13
The G 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.
G Major 13th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the G Major 13th chord?
Practical voicing: G–B–F#–A–E (root, third, seventh, ninth, thirteenth).
How does Gmaj13 differ from G13?
Gmaj13 has major seventh (F#). G13 has minor seventh (F).
How is Gmaj13 used in music?
Richest tonic in G Major. Folk-jazz, acoustic, singer-songwriter.
How does Gmaj13 differ from Gmaj9?
Adds the thirteenth (E) for sweet warmth.
What songs use Major 13th chords?
Jazz, folk-jazz, bossa nova.
Do I need to play all seven notes?
No — G–B–F#–A–E.
Practice Tips
- Practical voicing: G–B–F#–A–E.
- Gmaj13 is the richest tonic in G — a common acoustic key.
- The thirteenth (E) gives warmth.
- Practice Am11 → D13 → Gmaj13.
- Rootless: B–F#–A–E.
- Beautiful in folk-jazz.