Minor 13th Chords on Piano

The minor 13th chord is the fullest extension of the minor 7th — a rich, dark voicing that adds a warm 13th (major 6th) on top of the minor 11th structure. It creates the Dorian sound in its fullest form, used in jazz, neo-soul, and sophisticated R&B.

Formula: Root – ♭3rd – 5th – ♭7th – 9th – 11th – 13th

Scale degrees: 1–♭3–5–♭7–9–11–13

Sound: Rich, dark, warm, Dorian

Symbol: m13, min13 (Cm13, Dm13)

The Dorian sound: The 13th in a minor chord is a major 6th — the same raised 6th that defines Dorian mode. Cm13 essentially spells out C Dorian as a chord. It is the richest possible minor tonic voicing, with all the warmth and complexity that modern jazz demands. Drop the 5th for a practical voicing.

Minor 13th Chord in All 18 Keys