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Chord & Fret

C7(b13) — dominant flat thirteenth

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.

The 7(b13) is a dark dominant, with the thirteenth lowered. The tension pulls strongly toward resolution.

The same chord on all four instruments

C7(b13), 0 1 2 1 1 0C7(b13)1423EBbEAbCE
Guitar
C7(b13), 0 1 2 1 1 0C7(b13)1423EBbEAbCE
Electric guitar
C7(b13), 6 5 5 8C7(b13)52113AbCEBb
Cavaquinho
C7(b13), 1 0 0 1C7(b13)12AbCEBb
Ukulele

Where to use it: A dark resolution, especially to a minor chord.

The shapes of C7(b13) don't end on this page — the whole neck holds dozens. In Chord & Fret, you check it note by note, playing any shape as an arpeggio; open every variation on the neck, grouped by bass note; and set a capo — the diagrams redraw above it. Start free. Unlock everything with Pro. 100% offline.

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Part of the Altered dominants family.

Other chords in this family

C7(b9)C7(#9)C7(#11)

See all chord types and qualities →