D Minor 13th
Notes:D – F – A – C – E – G – B
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 D Minor 13th piano chord (Dm13) consists of the notes D, F, A, C, E, G, B. 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
D Minor 13th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | D4 – F4 – A4 – C5 – B5 – E5 – G5 |
| 1st Inversion | F4 – A4 – C5 – D5 – B5 – E5 – G5 |
| 2nd Inversion | A4 – C5 – D5 – E5 – B5 – F5 – G5 |
Key Signature
The key of D Minor 13th has 1 flat: B♭.
B♭
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-m3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13
Intervals: P1-m3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13
The D 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.
D Minor 13th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the D Minor 13th chord?
Practical voicing: D–F–C–E–B (root, third, seventh, ninth, thirteenth). Nearly all white keys.
How does Dm13 differ from D13?
Dm13 has minor third (F). D13 has major third (F#).
How is Dm13 used in music?
Dm13 is the richest ii chord in C Major. Jazz ballads, neo-soul, modal jazz.
How does Dm13 differ from Dm11?
Adds the thirteenth (B) for a bright top note.
What songs use Minor 13th chords?
Modal jazz, neo-soul, film scoring.
Do I need to play all seven notes?
No — D–F–C–E–B. Nearly all white keys.
Practice Tips
- Nearly all white keys: D–F–C–E–B — easy voicing.
- Dm13 is the richest ii in C Major.
- The thirteenth (B) brightens the dark minor sound.
- Practice Dm13 → G13 → Cmaj13 for maximum lush ii–V–I.
- Rootless: F–C–E–B.
- Compare with Dm11 — thirteenth adds sweetness.