Ab Minor 13th
Notes:Ab – B – Eb – Gb – Bb – Db – 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 Ab Minor 13th piano chord (Abm13) consists of the notes Ab, B, Eb, Gb, Bb, Db, 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.
Enharmonic equivalent: A♭ is enharmonically equivalent to G♯. See G# Minor 13th.
Notes
Ab Minor 13th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | Ab4 – B4 – Eb5 – Gb5 – F6 – Bb5 – Db6 |
| 1st Inversion | B4 – Eb5 – Gb5 – Ab5 – F6 – Bb5 – Db6 |
| 2nd Inversion | Eb5 – Gb5 – Ab5 – Bb5 – B5 – F6 – Db6 |
Key Signature
The key of Ab Minor 13th has 7 flats: B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, G♭, C♭, F♭.
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭C♭F♭
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-m3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13
Intervals: P1-m3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13
The Ab 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.
Ab Minor 13th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the Ab Minor 13th chord?
Practical voicing: Ab–Cb–Gb–Bb–F.
How does Abm13 differ from Ab13?
Abm13 has minor third (Cb). Ab13 has major third (C).
How is Abm13 used in music?
Richest ii in Gb Major. Jazz, neo-soul.
How does Abm13 differ from Abm11?
Adds the thirteenth (F) for brightness.
What songs use Minor 13th chords?
Modal jazz, neo-soul.
Do I need to play all seven notes?
No — Ab–Cb–Gb–Bb–F.
Practice Tips
- Practical voicing: Ab–Cb–Gb–Bb–F.
- Abm13 — mostly black keys, distinctive shape.
- The thirteenth (F) brightens the dark minor.
- Practice Abm13 → Db13 → Gbmaj13.
- Rootless: Cb–Gb–Bb–F.
- Rich minor chord for jazz.