Construction
F Minor 13th = Root + Minor 3rd + Perfect 5th + Minor 7th + Major 2nd + Perfect 4th + Major 6th = F, A♭, C, E♭, G, B♭, D
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| F | Root | 1 |
| A♭ | Minor 3rd | ♭3 |
| C | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| E♭ | Minor 7th | ♭7 |
| G | Major 2nd | 9 |
| B♭ | Perfect 4th | 11 |
| D | Major 6th | 13 |
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the F Minor 13th is the tonic (i) chord of F Minor, which shares the signature of its relative major, A♭ Major: 4 flats (B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭).
B♭E♭A♭D♭
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 F Minor
These are the triads built on each degree of F Minor:
Scales That Include the F Minor 13th
- Eb Major (ii)
- C Minor (iv)
- F Dorian (i)
- G Phrygian (vii)
- Ab Lydian (vi)
- Bb Mixolydian (v)
- C Aeolian (iv)
- D Locrian (iii)
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes F – A♭ – C – E♭ – G – B♭ – D 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:
F Minor 13th : Frequently Asked Questions
What is the F Minor 13th chord on piano?
The F Minor 13th chord contains the notes F – A♭ – C – E♭ – G – B♭ – D. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the F Minor 13th chord?
Practical voicing: F–Ab–Eb–G–D.
How does Fm13 differ from F13?
Fm13 has minor third (Ab). F13 has major third (A).
How is Fm13 used in music?
Richest ii in Eb Major, iv in C minor. Jazz, gospel, neo-soul.
How does Fm13 differ from Fm11?
Adds the thirteenth (D) for brightness.
What songs use Minor 13th chords?
Modal jazz, neo-soul, gospel.
Do I need to play all seven notes?
No: F–Ab–Eb–G–D.