G Major 13th
Hear the G Major 13th chord played for you.
Gmaj13
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 chord is a seven-note chord made up of G, B, D, F♯, A, C, and E. It is built from a root, major third, perfect fifth, major seventh, major ninth, perfect eleventh, and major thirteenth.
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
Key Signature
The key of G Major 13th has 1 sharp.
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 diatonic triads built on each degree of the G major scale:
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
I — G Major (major)
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.
Related Tools
Chord FinderLook up any chord — see the notes, hear it, and play along.Chord DrillTimed drills to build speed and recognition across all chord types.Practice RoomPlug in a MIDI keyboard and get real-time feedback on every chord and scale.Circle of FifthsVisualize key relationships, relative minors, and key signatures.MIDI MonitorLive MIDI message stream with note names, velocity, and a scrolling staff.