Finger Positions

Root Note C

Name C dominant thirteenth

Intervals 1P-3M-5P-7m-9M-13M

Relative Minor Am

Notes C, E, G, Bb, D, A

Aliases C13

How to play the C13 Chord

The C13 is a fundamental dominant chord in guitar music. To play this chord correctly, ensure your fingers are placed precisely on the frets indicated in the diagram above.

Music Theory Analysis

From a theoretical perspective, the C dominant thirteenth is built using the 1P, 3M, 5P, 7m, 9M, 13M intervals. In the key of C Major, this chord functions as the I chord.

Common Progressions

In music composition, the C13 chord is often used to create tension or resolution.

I-V-vi-IV

C → G → Am → F

vi-IV-I-V

Am → F → C → G

The Diatonic Family

Understanding the "family" of chords that belong to C helps with transposition and ear training.

Triads

C Dm Em F G Am Bdim

7ths

Cmaj7 Dm7 Em7 Fmaj7 G7 Am7 Bm7b5

Scale Compatibility

View All Scales

Bebop Mixolydian Lydian Dominant Bebop Minor Composite Blues Chromatic

* 6 scales found containing the notes C, E, G, Bb, D, A.

Acoustic & Digital Analysis

Digital footprint of the C13 chord for MIDI programming and synthesizer sound design.

MIDI Numbers 60, 64, 67, 70, 62, 69

Frequencies (Hz)

261.6255653005986, 329.6275569128699, 391.99543598174927, 466.1637615180899, 293.6647679174076, 440