Construction
A♭ Minor 13th = Root + Minor 3rd + Perfect 5th + Minor 7th + Major 2nd + Perfect 4th + Major 6th = A♭, C♭, E♭, G♭, B♭, D♭, F
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| A♭ | Root | 1 |
| C♭ | Minor 3rd | ♭3 |
| E♭ | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| G♭ | Minor 7th | ♭7 |
| B♭ | Major 2nd | 9 |
| D♭ | Perfect 4th | 11 |
| F | Major 6th | 13 |
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the A♭ Minor 13th is the tonic (i) chord of A♭ Minor, which shares the signature of its relative major, C♭ Major: 7 flats (B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, G♭, C♭, F♭).
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭C♭F♭
Order of flats
Flats are added in a fixed order — the reverse of the sharp order. Each new flat key adds the next flat on the list.
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭C♭F♭
Mnemonic: Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles’ Father
Chords in the Key of A♭ Minor
These are the triads built on each degree of A♭ Minor:
Scales That Include the A♭ Minor 13th
- F# Major (ii)
- Eb Minor (iv)
- G# Dorian (i)
- A# Phrygian (vii)
- B Lydian (vi)
- C# Mixolydian (v)
- D# Aeolian (iv)
- E# Locrian (iii)
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes A♭ – C♭ – E♭ – G♭ – B♭ – D♭ – F 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:
A♭ Minor 13th : Frequently Asked Questions
What is the A♭ Minor 13th chord on piano?
The A♭ Minor 13th chord contains the notes A♭ – C♭ – E♭ – G♭ – B♭ – D♭ – F. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
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.