Construction
D Minor 13th = Root + Minor 3rd + Perfect 5th + Minor 7th + Major 2nd + Perfect 4th + Major 6th = D, F, A, C, E, G, B
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| D | Root | 1 |
| F | Minor 3rd | ♭3 |
| A | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| C | Minor 7th | ♭7 |
| E | Major 2nd | 9 |
| G | Perfect 4th | 11 |
| B | Major 6th | 13 |
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the D Minor 13th is the tonic (i) chord of D Minor, which shares the signature of its relative major, F Major: 1 flat (B♭).
B♭
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 D Minor
These are the triads built on each degree of D Minor:
Scales That Include the D Minor 13th
- C Major (ii)
- A Minor (iv)
- D Dorian (i)
- E Phrygian (vii)
- F Lydian (vi)
- G Mixolydian (v)
- A Aeolian (iv)
- B Locrian (iii)
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes D – F – A – C – E – G – B 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:
D Minor 13th : Frequently Asked Questions
What is the D Minor 13th chord on piano?
The D Minor 13th chord contains the notes D – F – A – C – E – G – B. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
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.