E♭ Minor-Major 13th Chord

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Formula R – ♭3 – 5 – 13 – 7

Summary

E♭ Minor-Major 13th is built from the notes E♭, G♭, B♭, C, D. The interval from E♭ to G♭ is a minor 3rd (3 semitones), from E♭ to B♭ is a perfect 5th (7 semitones), from E♭ to C is a major 6th (9 semitones), from E♭ to D is a major 7th (11 semitones). This chord contains 3 flatted notes.

The minor 13th is a deep, soulful extended minor chord that adds a major 13th to the minor 7th. It has a profound, weighty quality — darker than a minor 9th but with the 13th adding a touch of warmth and sophistication.

Theory

Built from R, ♭3, 5, ♭7, 9, 11, 13, but practically voiced as R, ♭3, ♭7, 13 with the 5th and 11th omitted. The major 13th on top of a minor chord creates a Dorian sound — having a natural 6th over a minor chord is what makes Dorian mode distinctive. This gives the chord a less dark, more sophisticated minor quality.

On the guitar

Voice it with root, ♭3, ♭7, and 13 as the core. The shape is similar to a minor 7th voicing with the 13th added on a high string. These voicings work best on the middle-to-upper strings to keep clarity. The Dorian quality makes it perfect for minor-key grooves that need warmth.

Piano