G Minor 13th
Notes:G – Bb – D – F – A – C – E
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 G Minor 13th piano chord (Gm13) consists of the notes G, Bb, D, F, A, C, E. 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
G Minor 13th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | G4 – Bb4 – D5 – F5 – A5 – C6 – E6 |
| 1st Inversion | Bb4 – D5 – F5 – G5 – A5 – C6 – E6 |
| 2nd Inversion | D5 – F5 – G5 – A5 – C6 – E6 – Bb5 |
Key Signature
The key of G Minor 13th has 2 flats: B♭, E♭.
B♭E♭
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-m3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13
Intervals: P1-m3-P5-m7-M9-P11-M13
The G 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.
G Minor 13th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the G Minor 13th chord?
Practical voicing: G–Bb–F–A–E.
How does Gm13 differ from G13?
Gm13 has minor third (Bb). G13 has major third (B).
How is Gm13 used in music?
Richest ii in F Major. Jazz, Latin, bossa nova, neo-soul.
How does Gm13 differ from Gm11?
Adds the thirteenth (E) for brightness.
What songs use Minor 13th chords?
Modal jazz, Latin jazz, neo-soul.
Do I need to play all seven notes?
No — G–Bb–F–A–E.
Practice Tips
- Practical voicing: G–Bb–F–A–E.
- Gm13 as ii in F — common in Latin jazz and bossa nova.
- The thirteenth (E) brightens the dark minor.
- Practice Gm13 → C13 → Fmaj13.
- Rootless: Bb–F–A–E.
- Beautiful in Latin and bossa nova contexts.