Gb Major 13th
Notes:Gb – Bb – Db – F – Ab – B – Eb
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 Gb Major 13th piano chord (Gbmaj13) consists of the notes Gb, Bb, Db, F, Ab, B, Eb. 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.
Enharmonic equivalent: G♭ is enharmonically equivalent to F♯. See F# Major 13th.
Notes
Gb Major 13th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | Gb4 – Bb4 – Db5 – F5 – B5 – Ab5 – Eb6 |
| 1st Inversion | Bb4 – Db5 – F5 – Gb5 – B5 – Ab5 – Eb6 |
| 2nd Inversion | Db5 – F5 – Gb5 – Ab5 – B5 – Bb5 – Eb6 |
Key Signature
The key of Gb Major 13th has 6 flats: B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, G♭, C♭.
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭C♭
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-M3-P5-M7-M9-P11-M13
Intervals: P1-M3-P5-M7-M9-P11-M13
The Gb 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.
Gb Major 13th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the Gb Major 13th chord?
Practical voicing: Gb–Bb–F–Ab–Eb. Enharmonic equivalent of F#maj13.
How does Gbmaj13 differ from Gb13?
Gbmaj13 has major seventh (F). Gb13 has minor seventh (Fb/E).
How is Gbmaj13 used in music?
Richest tonic in Gb. Musicians often use F#maj13.
How does Gbmaj13 differ from Gbmaj9?
Adds the thirteenth (Eb) for warmth.
What songs use Major 13th chords?
Jazz, neo-soul.
Do I need to play all seven notes?
No — Gb–Bb–F–Ab–Eb.
Practice Tips
- Practical voicing: Gb–Bb–F–Ab–Eb.
- Gbmaj13 and F#maj13 are enharmonic.
- The thirteenth (Eb) gives warmth.
- Practice Abm11 → Db13 → Gbmaj13.
- Rootless: Bb–F–Ab–Eb.
- Mostly black keys — distinctive shape.