Chord & FretCm13 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 Cm13 voicing the bass is Bb and the shape runs from fret 8 to 10. Because this instrument has fewer strings than Cm13 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 in Cm13: C – Eb – G – Bb – D – AFormula: 1 – b3 – 5 – b7 – 9 – 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: Neo-soul, R&B and modal jazz; a minor resting chord with room to breathe.
The shapes of Cm13 on cavaquinho don't end on this page — the whole neck holds dozens. In Chord & Fret, you hear every shape strummed string by string, in the instrument's own voice; open every variation on the neck, grouped by bass note; and change the tuning — the shape rewrites itself. Start free. Unlock everything with Pro. Plays offline.
See the whole neck in Chord & Fret →Part of the Extended family.