Construction
C Minor 13th = Root + Minor 3rd + Perfect 5th + Minor 7th + Major 2nd + Perfect 4th + Major 6th = C, E♭, G, B♭, D, F, A
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| C | Root | 1 |
| E♭ | Minor 3rd | ♭3 |
| G | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| B♭ | Minor 7th | ♭7 |
| D | Major 2nd | 9 |
| F | Perfect 4th | 11 |
| A | Major 6th | 13 |
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the C Minor 13th is the tonic (i) chord of C Minor, which shares the signature of its relative major, E♭ Major: 3 flats (B♭, E♭, A♭).
B♭E♭A♭
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 C Minor
These are the triads built on each degree of C Minor:
Scales That Include the C Minor 13th
- Bb Major (ii)
- G Minor (iv)
- C Dorian (i)
- D Phrygian (vii)
- Eb Lydian (vi)
- F Mixolydian (v)
- G Aeolian (iv)
- A Locrian (iii)
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes C – E♭ – G – B♭ – D – F – A 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:
C Minor 13th : Frequently Asked Questions
What is the C Minor 13th chord on piano?
The C Minor 13th chord contains the notes C – E♭ – G – B♭ – D – F – A. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the C Minor 13th chord?
The C Minor 13th chord (Cm13) theoretically contains seven notes: C, Eb, G, Bb, D, F, A. Practical voicing: C–Eb–Bb–D–A (root, third, seventh, ninth, thirteenth). Drop fifth and eleventh.
How does Cm13 differ from C13?
Cm13 has a minor third (Eb). C13 has a major third (E). Cm13 is dark and sophisticated; C13 is bright and driving.
How does Cm13 differ from Cm11?
Cm13 adds the thirteenth (A) on top. The thirteenth brightens the chord: Cm11 is dark and full; Cm13 adds a sweet, warm top note to the darkness.
How is Cm13 used in music?
Cm13 appears in jazz ballads, modal jazz, neo-soul, and film scoring. It is the richest minor chord available and creates a dark yet sophisticated sound.
What songs use Minor 13th chords?
Minor 13th voicings appear in modal jazz, neo-soul, and film scores. Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and modern neo-soul artists use m13 for maximum harmonic richness.
Do I need to play all seven notes?
No: drop the fifth and eleventh. C–Eb–Bb–D–A is the standard voicing.