Chord reference · extended chord
G13 chord (G dominant thirteenth)
G13 is the G dominant thirteenth chord. Play G, B, D, F, A, C, E together to hear the chord in root position.
G13 chord notes and interval formula
The formula 1–3–5–♭7–9–11–13 means the chord is measured from G using the root, major third, perfect fifth, minor seventh, major ninth, perfect eleventh, and major thirteenth. In semitone numbers from the root, the pattern is 0–4–7–10–14–17–21. On a real instrument, it is normal to omit a less important tone—usually the fifth—when the full closed position is too dense.
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Root | 0 | G |
| 3 | Major Third | 4 | B |
| 5 | Perfect Fifth | 7 | D |
| ♭7 | Minor Seventh | 10 | F |
| 9 | Major Ninth | 14 | A |
| 11 | Perfect Eleventh | 17 | C |
| 13 | Major Thirteenth | 21 | E |
How to play G13 on piano
Start with the notes in root position from low to high: G – B – D – F – A – C – E. Split the chord between both hands and omit the fifth when necessary is a useful starting point, but black-key combinations and melodic movement may make another fingering more comfortable.
For a cleaner accompaniment, place the root in the left hand and play the remaining tones in the right. With extended chords, keep the third and seventh because they identify the chord quality most clearly.
How to play G13 on guitar
Try the shape 3-3-3-2-0-0 in standard tuning, read from low E to high E. The sounding-string details are: E fret 3: G; A fret 3: C; D fret 3: F; G fret 2: A; B open: B; E open: E. Keep every note clear and release pressure from strings marked “x.”
This is one voicing, not the only correct shape. The chord remains G13 whenever the essential pitch classes are present; doubling, omission, and bass-note choice change the voicing rather than the basic chord name.
G13 inversions and slash chords
Inversions keep the same notes but place a different chord tone in the bass. They are useful for smoother bass lines, compact keyboard movement, and alternative guitar voicings.
| Position | Symbol | Notes low to high | Bass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root position | G13 | G – B – D – F – A – C – E | G |
| 1st inversion | G13/B | B – D – F – A – C – E – G | B |
| 2nd inversion | G13/D | D – F – A – C – E – G – B | D |
| 3rd inversion | G13/F | F – A – C – E – G – B – D | F |
What G13 sounds like and where it fits
The G dominant thirteenth chord is dense, colorful, and directional. A complete thirteenth chord contains more notes than most hands or guitar shapes can comfortably play. In practice, players keep the third, flat seventh, and thirteenth, then add the root and ninth as space allows.
G13 compared with similar chords
Small interval changes create different chord names. Use this table to avoid confusing G13 with nearby structures.
| Chord | Quality | Formula | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| G9 | Dominant Ninth | 1–3–5–♭7–9 | G, B, D, F, A |
| G7 | Dominant Seventh | 1–3–5–♭7 | G, B, D, F |
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the G13 chord?
The G13 chord contains G, B, D, F, A, C, E. Its interval formula is 1–3–5–♭7–9–11–13.
How do you play G13 on piano?
Play G, B, D, F, A, C, E together. A practical root-position fingering is split the chord between both hands and omit the fifth when necessary; adjust the fingering to your hand and musical context.
How do you play G13 on guitar?
One compact standard-tuning shape is 3-3-3-2-0-0 from the low E string to the high E string. An “x” means mute that string.
What does the symbol G13 mean?
The root is G. The suffix 13 identifies a dominant thirteenth structure with the formula 1–3–5–♭7–9–11–13.
How many inversions does G13 have?
A 7-note chord has 7 closed-position arrangements when every chord tone is retained: root position plus 6 inversions. Extended practical voicings may omit notes.