B Minor 13th Chord

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Formula R – ♭3 – 5 – 13 – ♭7

Summary

B Minor 13th is built from the notes B, D, G♭, A♭, A. The interval from B to D is a minor 3rd (3 semitones), from B to G♭ is a perfect 5th (7 semitones), from B to A♭ is a major 6th (9 semitones), from B to A is a minor 7th (10 semitones). This chord contains 2 flatted notes.

The major 13th is the ultimate lush tonic chord — a major 7th extended all the way to the 13th. It contains both the major 7th and the 6th (13th) simultaneously, creating an incredibly warm, full, "end of the movie" kind of sound.

Theory

Built from R, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 in theory, but on guitar the practical formula is R, 3, 7, 13 (sometimes adding the 9th). The simultaneous presence of the major 7th and the 13th (major 6th) is what defines this chord — it's like a maj7 and a 6th chord merged into one. The 5th and 11th are always omitted (the 11th would clash with the 3rd).

On the guitar

Keep root, 3rd, 7th, and 13th as your core voicing. The 9th can be added for extra richness if your fingers allow. Drop 2 voicings on the inner strings work beautifully. This chord sounds best in the middle register — too low and it gets muddy, too high and it loses its warmth.

Advanced

Major 13th is the go-to "arrival" chord in jazz arrangements — when the progression finally lands on the home chord, a maj13 gives it that satisfying, complete sound. In bossa nova, maj13 chords are standard vocabulary for the tonic. Try ending a song on a maj13 instead of a plain major for instant sophistication.

Piano