Amaj13

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A Major 13th Arpeggio

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Formula R – 3 – 5 – 13 – 7

The A Major 13th Arpeggio arpeggio outlines the notes A, C♯, E, F♯, G♯ across the entire fretboard. Playing these 5 notes individually creates melodic lines that follow the chord shape. Contains 3 sharped notes.

The dominant 13th is the biggest chord in tonal harmony — theoretically containing every note in the scale. On guitar, you strip it down to its essential identity: root, 3rd, ♭7th, and 13th. The result is rich, warm, jazzy, and unmistakably sophisticated.

Theory

The full theoretical formula is R, 3, 5, ♭7, 9, 11, 13, but that's seven notes — impossible on a six-string guitar. The essential core is R, 3, ♭7, 13, with the 5th, 9th, and 11th typically omitted. The 13th (a major 6th an octave up) adds a sweet, open quality to the dominant tension. It's the chord that makes jazz standards sound like jazz standards.

On the guitar

The practical voicing keeps root, 3rd, ♭7, and 13 — usually on four or five strings. The 13th often sits on the 1st or 2nd string, ringing brightly on top. Classic shapes exist with roots on both the 5th and 6th strings. A useful trick: play a dominant 7th and add the 6th (13th) one string above — instant 13th chord.

Advanced

Dominant 13th chords are the default "full" dominant sound in jazz comping. They replace plain 7ths or 9ths when you want maximum richness without altered tones. In funk, 13th chords add a smooth sophistication to rhythm parts. Try alternating between 9th and 13th voicings on the same root for subtle harmonic movement.

Piano