A Minor 13th
Notes:A – C – E – G – B – D – F#
Formula:R-m3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13
Intervals:P1-m3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13
Scale Degrees:1-b3-5-b7-9-11-13
Introduction
The A Minor 13th piano chord (Am13) consists of the notes A, C, E, G, B, D, F#. It is a minor 11th chord with an added major 13th, giving it a dark and sophisticated character often used in jazz ballads and modal jazz. Formula: R-m3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13 | Scale degrees: 1-b3-5-b7-9-11-13.
Notes
A Minor 13th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | A4 – C5 – E5 – G5 – B5 – D6 – F#6 |
| 1st Inversion | C5 – E5 – G5 – A5 – B5 – D6 – F#6 |
| 2nd Inversion | E5 – G5 – A5 – B5 – C6 – D6 – F#6 |
Key Signature
The key of A Minor 13th has No sharps or flats.
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-m3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13
Intervals: P1-m3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13
The A Minor 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.
A Minor 13th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the A Minor 13th chord?
Practical voicing: A–C–G–B–F# (root, third, seventh, ninth, thirteenth).
How does Am13 differ from A13?
Am13 has minor third (C). A13 has major third (C#).
How is Am13 used in music?
Richest ii in G Major, vi in C Major. One of the most common m13 chords. Jazz, pop, lo-fi, neo-soul.
How does Am13 differ from Am11?
Adds the thirteenth (F#) for a bright top note.
What songs use Minor 13th chords?
Modal jazz, neo-soul, lo-fi. Am13 is ubiquitous.
Do I need to play all seven notes?
No — A–C–G–B–F#.
Practice Tips
- Practical voicing: A–C–G–B–F# — mostly white keys.
- Am13 may be the most common m13 chord.
- The thirteenth (F#) brightens the dark A minor sound.
- Practice Am13 → D13 → Gmaj13 for lush ii–V–I.
- Am13 is a lo-fi and neo-soul favourite.
- Rootless: C–G–B–F#.