Construction
B♭ Minor 13th = Root + Minor 3rd + Perfect 5th + Minor 7th + Major 2nd + Perfect 4th + Major 6th = B♭, D♭, F, A♭, C, E♭, G
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| B♭ | Root | 1 |
| D♭ | Minor 3rd | ♭3 |
| F | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| A♭ | Minor 7th | ♭7 |
| C | Major 2nd | 9 |
| E♭ | Perfect 4th | 11 |
| G | Major 6th | 13 |
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the B♭ Minor 13th is the tonic (i) chord of B♭ Minor, which shares the signature of its relative major, D♭ Major: 5 flats (B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, G♭).
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭
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 B♭ Minor
These are the triads built on each degree of B♭ Minor:
Scales That Include the B♭ Minor 13th
- Ab Major (ii)
- F Minor (iv)
- Bb Dorian (i)
- C Phrygian (vii)
- Db Lydian (vi)
- Eb Mixolydian (v)
- F Aeolian (iv)
- G Locrian (iii)
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes B♭ – D♭ – F – A♭ – C – E♭ – G 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:
B♭ Minor 13th : Frequently Asked Questions
What is the B♭ Minor 13th chord on piano?
The B♭ Minor 13th chord contains the notes B♭ – D♭ – F – A♭ – C – E♭ – G. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the Bb Minor 13th chord?
Practical voicing: Bb–Db–Ab–C–G.
How does Bbm13 differ from Bb13?
Bbm13 has minor third (Db). Bb13 has major third (D).
How is Bbm13 used in music?
Richest ii in Ab Major. Jazz, R&B, gospel.
How does Bbm13 differ from Bbm11?
Adds the thirteenth (G) for brightness.
What songs use Minor 13th chords?
Modal jazz, neo-soul, gospel.
Do I need to play all seven notes?
No: Bb–Db–Ab–C–G.