13th chord

Definition

A 13th chord is a complex chord that includes the root, third, fifth, seventh, ninth, eleventh, and thirteenth scale degrees of a given scale. This chord is an extension of the seventh chord, allowing for richer harmonies and greater expressive possibilities in music. By adding more tones beyond the basic triad and seventh chords, the 13th chord enhances harmonic depth and color in compositions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A 13th chord can be constructed by stacking thirds on top of a seventh chord, making it a seven-note chord.
2. The 13th can replace the 11th in the chord structure for a smoother sound; however, it's common to omit certain notes like the fifth or eleventh to avoid dissonance.
3. In jazz music, the 13th chord is frequently used because it adds complexity and sophistication to harmony.
4. The 13th is often expressed in shorthand notation as C13 (for a C major 13th chord), and it typically includes a dominant seventh (C7) as part of its structure.
5. The intervals in a 13th chord can create various tensions and resolutions depending on how they're voiced and how they resolve to other chords.

Review Questions

• How does a 13th chord differ from a basic seventh chord in terms of construction and complexity?
  • A 13th chord differs from a basic seventh chord because it adds additional tones—specifically the ninth, eleventh, and thirteenth—making it more complex. While a seventh chord consists of only four notes (root, third, fifth, and seventh), a 13th chord expands this to seven notes. This complexity allows for richer harmonies and gives composers and musicians more options for expressing emotions through their music.
• What role do extended chords like the 13th play in genres such as jazz or modern classical music?
  • Extended chords like the 13th play a significant role in genres such as jazz or modern classical music by adding depth and sophistication to harmonic structures. In jazz, for example, musicians frequently use 13th chords to create lush harmonies that enhance improvisation. These chords help establish tension and resolution within progressions, making them essential for conveying emotional nuances that are characteristic of these genres.
• Analyze how altering specific notes in a 13th chord can affect its overall sound and function within a progression.
  • Altering specific notes in a 13th chord can dramatically change its overall sound and function within a progression. For example, if you raise or lower the ninth or eleventh degree, it can introduce dissonance that enhances tension before resolving to another chord. This alteration technique is often used to create interest and movement in music. Moreover, omitting certain tones like the fifth can simplify the voicing while still maintaining the core essence of the harmony. Thus, through careful alterations and voicing choices, musicians can shape how a 13th chord interacts with surrounding chords in their compositions.

Related terms

Seventh chord: A chord made up of four notes: the root, third, fifth, and seventh degrees of a scale, providing a fuller sound than a triad.

Extended chords: Chords that include additional notes beyond the seventh degree, such as ninths, elevenths, and thirteenths, creating more complex harmonic textures.

Altered chords: Chords that have one or more notes modified from their natural state, often used to create tension or to resolve into more stable harmonies.