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 E Minor, which shares the signature of its relative major, G Major: 1 sharp (F♯).
F♯
Order of sharps
Sharps are added to a key signature in a fixed order. Each new sharp key adds the next sharp on the list.
F♯C♯G♯D♯A♯E♯B♯
Mnemonic: Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle
Chords in the Key of E Minor
These are the triads built on each degree of E Minor:
Scales That Include the E Minor 13th
- D Major (ii)
- B Minor (iv)
- E Dorian (i)
- F# Phrygian (vii)
- G Lydian (vi)
- A Mixolydian (v)
- B Aeolian (iv)
- C# Locrian (iii)
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 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#.