Construction
G♭ Major 13th = Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th + Major 7th + Major 2nd + Perfect 4th + Major 6th = G♭, B♭, D♭, F, A♭, C♭, E♭
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| G♭ | Root | 1 |
| B♭ | Major 3rd | 3 |
| D♭ | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| F | Major 7th | 7 |
| A♭ | Major 2nd | 9 |
| C♭ | Perfect 4th | 11 |
| E♭ | Major 6th | 13 |
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the G♭ Major 13th is the tonic (I) chord of G♭ Major, whose key signature has 6 flats (B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, G♭, C♭).
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭C♭
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 G♭ Major
These are the triads built on each degree of G♭ Major:
Scales That Include the G♭ Major 13th
- F# Major (I)
- Eb Minor (III)
- G# Dorian (VII)
- A# Phrygian (VI)
- B Lydian (V)
- C# Mixolydian (IV)
- D# Aeolian (III)
- E# Locrian (II)
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes G♭ – B♭ – D♭ – F – A♭ – C♭ – E♭ 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:
G♭ Major 13th : Frequently Asked Questions
What is the G♭ Major 13th chord on piano?
The G♭ Major 13th chord contains the notes G♭ – B♭ – D♭ – F – A♭ – C♭ – E♭. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
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.