About the C13 chord
The dominant thirteenth adds the thirteenth, the same note as the sixth, to a seventh chord. On guitar the fifth and ninth are usually left out. It is a big, warm jazz and blues chord. The symbol for it is C13.
How to play C13
- Lay your index finger flat across the top 5 strings at fret 3, pressing just behind the fret.
- Put your middle finger on the D string at fret 5.
- Put your ring finger on the B string at fret 5.
- Put your little finger on the high E string at fret 5.
- Strum and don't play the low E string.
1 index · 2 middle · 3 ring · 4 little
Chords in the key of C major
These are the chords built on each note of the C major scale, so they all sound good together with C13. The Roman numeral under each one is its position in the key.
Other C chords
C13 chord questions
What notes are in a C13 chord?
C13 is made of C, E, G, B♭ and A. In intervals that is 1, 3, 5, ♭7, 13 above the root, C.
What is the easiest way to play C13?
The first shape above is the most common one: x 3 5 3 5 5 from the low E string to the high E, where x means don't play that string and 0 means play it open. Start there, and try the other shapes once it feels comfortable.
Is C13 a barre chord?
The main shape uses a barre, where one finger holds down several strings at once. Press just behind the fret and roll the finger slightly onto its side.