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 1 sharp (F♯).
F♯
Order of sharps
Sharps are added to a key signature in a fixed order. Each new sharp key adds the next sharp on the list.
F♯C♯G♯D♯A♯E♯B♯
Mnemonic: Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle
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
- G Major (I)
- E Minor (III)
- A Dorian (VII)
- B Phrygian (VI)
- C Lydian (V)
- D Mixolydian (IV)
- E Aeolian (III)
- F# 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 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.