E Minor 13th
Notes:E – G – B – D – F# – A – C#
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 E Minor 13th piano chord (Em13) consists of the notes E, G, B, D, F#, A, C#. 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
E Minor 13th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | E4 – G4 – B4 – D5 – A5 – C#6 – F#5 |
| 1st Inversion | G4 – B4 – D5 – E5 – A5 – C#6 – F#5 |
| 2nd Inversion | B4 – D5 – E5 – F#5 – A5 – G5 – C#6 |
Key Signature
The key of E Minor 13th has 1 sharp: F♯.
F♯
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-m3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13
Intervals: P1-m3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13
The E 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.
E Minor 13th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the E Minor 13th chord?
Practical voicing: E–G–D–F#–C#.
How does Em13 differ from E13?
Em13 has minor third (G). E13 has major third (G#).
How is Em13 used in music?
Richest ii in D Major, iii in C Major. Folk-jazz, neo-soul.
How does Em13 differ from Em11?
Adds the thirteenth (C#) for brightness.
What songs use Minor 13th chords?
Modal jazz, neo-soul.
Do I need to play all seven notes?
No — E–G–D–F#–C#.
Practice Tips
- Practical voicing: E–G–D–F#–C#.
- Em13 crosses into folk-jazz and acoustic.
- The thirteenth (C#) brightens the dark minor.
- Practice Em13 → A13 → Dmaj13.
- Rootless: G–D–F#–C#.
- Compare with Em11.