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, B♭ Major: 2 flats (B♭, E♭).
B♭E♭
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 G Minor
These are the triads built on each degree of G Minor:
Scales That Include the G Minor 13th
- F Major (ii)
- D Minor (iv)
- G Dorian (i)
- A Phrygian (vii)
- Bb Lydian (vi)
- C Mixolydian (v)
- D Aeolian (iv)
- E 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 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.