Construction
G♭ Minor 13th = Root + Minor 3rd + Perfect 5th + Minor 7th + Major 2nd + Perfect 4th + Major 6th = G♭, B♭♭, D♭, F♭, A♭, C♭, E♭
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| G♭ | Root | 1 |
| B♭♭ | Minor 3rd | ♭3 |
| D♭ | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| F♭ | Minor 7th | ♭7 |
| A♭ | Major 2nd | 9 |
| C♭ | Perfect 4th | 11 |
| E♭ | Major 6th | 13 |
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the G♭ Minor 13th is the tonic (i) chord of G♭ Minor, which shares the signature of its relative major, A Major: 3 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯).
F♯C♯G♯
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 G♭ Minor
These are the triads built on each degree of G♭ Minor:
| Degree | Numeral | Chord | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | i | G♭ Minor | Minor |
| 2 | ii° | A♭ Diminished | Diminished |
| 3 | III | B♭♭ Major | Major |
| 4 | iv | C♭ Minor | Minor |
| 5 | v | D♭ Minor | Minor |
| 6 | VI | E♭♭ Major | Major |
| 7 | VII | F♭ Major | Major |
Scales That Include the G♭ Minor 13th
- E Major (ii)
- C# Minor (iv)
- F# Dorian (i)
- G# Phrygian (vii)
- A Lydian (vi)
- B Mixolydian (v)
- C# Aeolian (iv)
- D# Locrian (iii)
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes G♭ – B♭♭ – D♭ – F♭ – A♭ – C♭ – E♭ 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:
G♭ Minor 13th : Frequently Asked Questions
What is the G♭ Minor 13th chord on piano?
The G♭ Minor 13th chord contains the notes G♭ – B♭♭ – D♭ – F♭ – A♭ – C♭ – E♭. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the Gb Minor 13th chord?
Practical voicing: Gb–Bbb–Fb–Ab–Eb. Enharmonic equivalent of F#m13.
How does Gbm13 differ from Gb13?
Gbm13 has minor third. Gb13 has major third.
How is Gbm13 used in music?
Enharmonic of F#m13, the ii in E Major.
How does Gbm13 differ from Gbm11?
Adds the thirteenth for brightness.
What songs use Minor 13th chords?
Modal jazz, neo-soul.
Do I need to play all seven notes?
No: use practical voicing.