B Minor 13th
Notes:B – D – F# – A – C# – E – G#
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 B Minor 13th piano chord (Bm13) consists of the notes B, D, F#, A, C#, E, G#. 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
B Minor 13th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | B4 – D5 – F#5 – A5 – E6 – C#6 – G#6 |
| 1st Inversion | D5 – F#5 – A5 – B5 – E6 – C#6 – G#6 |
| 2nd Inversion | F#5 – A5 – B5 – C#6 – D6 – E6 – G#6 |
Key Signature
The key of B Minor 13th has 2 sharps: F♯, C♯.
F♯C♯
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-m3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13
Intervals: P1-m3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13
The B 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.
B Minor 13th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the B Minor 13th chord?
Practical voicing: B–D–A–C#–G#.
How does Bm13 differ from B13?
Bm13 has minor third (D). B13 has major third (D#).
How is Bm13 used in music?
Richest ii in A Major, iii in G Major. Folk-jazz, acoustic, pop.
How does Bm13 differ from Bm11?
Adds the thirteenth (G#) for brightness.
What songs use Minor 13th chords?
Modal jazz, folk-jazz, neo-soul.
Do I need to play all seven notes?
No — B–D–A–C#–G#.
Practice Tips
- Practical voicing: B–D–A–C#–G#.
- Bm13 in folk-jazz and acoustic settings.
- The thirteenth (G#) brightens the dark B minor.
- Practice Bm13 → E13 → Amaj13.
- Rootless: D–A–C#–G#.
- Compare with Bm11.