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: 2 sharps (F♯, C♯).
F♯C♯
Order of sharps
Sharps are added to a key signature in a fixed order. Each new sharp key adds the next sharp on the list.
F♯C♯G♯D♯A♯E♯B♯
Mnemonic: Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle
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
- A Major (ii)
- F# Minor (iv)
- B Dorian (i)
- C# Phrygian (vii)
- D Lydian (vi)
- E 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 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#.