Ab13b9

Q: What notes are in the Ab13b9 chord?

The Ab13b9 chord (A b13b9) contains: A, C#, E, G, Bb, F. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Ab13b9 on the keyboard?

Take the root and add the remaining chord tones following the interval formula. The highlight shows chord content, while the inversion control changes which chord tone is in the bass.

Q: Which keys is Ab13b9 found in?

The chord acts as a diatonic degree in several keys — they are marked on the circle of fifths in the "Harmonic context" block.

Q: What can I substitute for Ab13b9?

A substitution depends on harmonic function and voice leading, not only on shared tones. Computed options appear in the "Substitutions" block and should be checked in context.

A b13b9

Octaves

Musical context

ChordA majorTriad

ChordAb13b9A b13b9

ArpeggioA majorBroken triad

ScaleA major7 notes

KeyA majorMajor key

ProgressionPop axisSequence

How the chord relates to the scale, mode, key and progression.

Theory

General info

Full name: A b13b9
Symbol: Ab13b9
Root: A
Quality: b13b9

Chord notes

1Aroot

3C#major 3rd

5Eperfect 5th

b7Gminor 7th

b2Bbminor 2nd

b6Fminor 6th

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions: DD Major EE Major F#mF# Minor
Unstable degrees: 4D
b7G
resolves down to the resolution tonic
Main resolution: Ab13b9source
EE Major
Major chord A is a stable tonic. As tonic it doesn't require resolution, but in a progression context typically moves to IV or V.
Other resolutions: Ab13b9source
Deceptive resolution
F#mF# Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
Ab13b9source
Modal resolution
GG Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
Ab13b9source
Jazz reharmonization
Amaj7A Major 7
In jazz, a major chord is enriched to maj7, 6/9, or add9 and can smoothly transition into a ii-V of another key (modulation).
Ab13b9source
Functional resolution
EE Major
As the IV degree (subdominant), a major chord can resolve to V or directly to I (plagal cadence).

Substitutions

Tritone substitution: Eb7Eb Dominant 7

Features

Character: Dominant, with b9 and b13
Characteristic interval: Minor 9th (b9), Minor 13th (b13)
Description: The minor 9th and minor 13th add two chromatically altered tones to a dominant seventh chord. Both commonly resolve by semitone, giving the chord sharp, directed tension.
Application: Altered dominants in minor
Jazz
Harmonic minor

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1A(A4)Bass

root

v2C#(C#5)M3from A

v3E(E5)m3from C#

v4G(G5)m3from E

v5Bb(Bb5)m3from G

v6F(F6)P5from Bb

Harmony

Compatible scales

All chord tones are contained in these scales — use them for improvisation.

ScaleF Harmonic major ScaleG Romanian minor ScaleG Ukrainian Dorian ScaleA Phrygian dominant ScaleD Harmonic minor ScaleF Bebop major ScaleD Bebop melodic minor ScaleC# Chromatic scale ScaleE Chromatic scale ScaleF Chromatic scale

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Ab13b9 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: F#mF# minor
Dominant: EE major
Subdominant: DD major
Key signature: 3 sharps (F#, C#, G#)

What to learn next

ScaleA Chromatic scaleScale to improvise over this chord PracticeChord trainerLock the fingering into muscle memory ProgressionChord progressionsHow this chord works inside real progressions

Recommended for you

A Chromatic scaleA scale related to this chord

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.

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Test yourself

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What notes are in the Ab13b9 chord?

How do I build Ab13b9 on the keyboard?

Which keys is Ab13b9 found in?

What can I substitute for Ab13b9?