Chord & FretC13 on cavaquinho
On the cavaquinho, four steel strings tuned D–G–B–D pack the chord into a small, bright space — every finger counts. In this position the bass is A and the shape runs from fret 5 to 8. Because this instrument has fewer strings than C13 has notes, one note — usually the fifth — is normally dropped without losing the chord's identity. Its four steel strings give a bright, sharp attack that cuts through the mix and drives the beat.
Notes on C: C – E – G – Bb – D – F – AFormula: 1 – 3 – 5 – b7 – 9 – 11 – 13In the formula, the numbers count steps of the major scale starting from the note that names the chord; "b" lowers a half step, "#" raises one — and a slash names the bass note.
Where to use it: An elegant dominant in jazz, MPB and gospel.
This is just one shape of C13 on cavaquinho. In Chord & Fret, you hear every shape strummed string by string, in the instrument's own voice; compare positions with their difficulty marked; and change the tuning — the shape rewrites itself. Start free. Unlock everything with Pro. 100% offline.
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