C13 chord on guitar
C13 is the dominant thirteenth chord: C, E, G, Bb, D and A (1–3–5–b7–9–13). On guitar, the diagram shape is 0 0 0 3 1 0, with E in the bass.
On the guitar, six strings give the chord room to breathe — some positions use them all, others ask you to mute the lowest ones. In this C13 voicing the bass is E and the shape runs from fret 1 to 3, ringing 4 open strings. Its hollow wooden body gives every chord a warm, natural ring that blooms and fades on its own.
Notes and formula of C13
Notes in C13: C – E – G – Bb – D – AFormula: 1 – 3 – 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
An elegant dominant in jazz, MPB and gospel.
See also
Part of the Extended family.