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Chord & Fret

C7(b13) on cavaquinho

C7(b13) on cavaquinho — frets 6 5 5 8C7(b13)52113AbCEBb
Frets: 6 5 5 8

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 Ab and the shape runs from fret 5 to 8. Because this instrument has fewer strings than C7(b13) 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 – AbFormula: 1 – 3 – 5 – b7 – b13

In 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: A dark resolution, especially to a minor chord.

Every region of the neck hides more shapes of C7(b13) on cavaquinho. In Chord & Fret, you check it note by note, playing any shape as an arpeggio; 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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Part of the Altered dominants family.

See the full explanation of C7(b13) →