Construction
E♭ Minor 13th = Root + Minor 3rd + Perfect 5th + Minor 7th + Major 2nd + Perfect 4th + Major 6th = E♭, G♭, B♭, D♭, F, A♭, C
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| E♭ | Root | 1 |
| G♭ | Minor 3rd | ♭3 |
| B♭ | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| D♭ | Minor 7th | ♭7 |
| F | Major 2nd | 9 |
| A♭ | Perfect 4th | 11 |
| C | Major 6th | 13 |
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the E♭ Minor 13th is the tonic (i) chord of Eb Minor, which shares the signature of its relative major, Gb Major — 6 flats (B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, G♭, C♭).
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭C♭
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 E♭ Minor 13th
These are the triads built on each degree of the E♭ Minor 13th:
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes E♭ – G♭ – B♭ – D♭ – F – A♭ – C 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:
E♭ Minor 13th : Frequently Asked Questions
What is the E♭ Minor 13th chord on piano?
The E♭ Minor 13th chord contains the notes E♭ – G♭ – B♭ – D♭ – F – A♭ – C. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the Eb Minor 13th chord?
Practical voicing: Eb–Gb–Db–F–C.
How does Ebm13 differ from Eb13?
Ebm13 has minor third (Gb). Eb13 has major third (G).
How is Ebm13 used in music?
Richest ii chord in Db Major. Jazz, R&B, neo-soul.
How does Ebm13 differ from Ebm11?
Adds the thirteenth (C) for brightness.
What songs use Minor 13th chords?
Modal jazz, neo-soul, film scoring.
Do I need to play all seven notes?
No: Eb–Gb–Db–F–C.