Amaj13

Q: What notes are in the Amaj13 chord?

The Amaj13 chord (A Major 13) contains: A, C#, E, G#, B, F#. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Amaj13 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 Amaj13 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 Amaj13?

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 Major 13

Octaves

Musical context

ChordA majorTriad

ChordAmaj13A Major 13

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 Major 13
Symbol: Amaj13
Root: A
Quality: Major 13

Chord notes

1Aroot

3C#major 3rd

5Eperfect 5th

7G#major 7th

2Bmajor 2nd

6F#major 6th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: IVSubdominant (IV)E major
Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions: DD Major EE Major F#mF# Minor
Unstable degrees: 7G#
1A
resolves up to the root
Main resolution: Amaj13source
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: Amaj13source
Deceptive resolution
F#mF# Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
Amaj13source
Modal resolution
GG Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
Amaj13source
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).
Amaj13source
Functional resolution
EE Major
As the IV degree (subdominant), a major chord can resolve to V or directly to I (plagal cadence).

Features

Character: Major, with major 7th and 13th
Characteristic interval: Major 7th (M7), 13th
Description: The major 7th and 13th extend the major triad into a seven-note harmonic structure.
Application: Final jazz cadences
Orchestral arrangements
Modern pop and neo-soul

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1A(A4)Bass

root

v2C#(C#5)M3from A

v3E(E5)m3from C#

v4G#(G#5)M3from E

v5B(B5)m3from G#

v6F#(F#6)P5from B

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

ScaleC# Phrygian ScaleC# Aeolian (natural minor)ScaleE Ionian (major)ScaleE Mixolydian ScaleF# Dorian ScaleF# Aeolian (natural minor)ScaleG# Phrygian ScaleG# Locrian ScaleA Ionian (major)ScaleA Lydian

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Amaj13 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 Ionian (major)Scale to improvise over this chord PracticeChord trainerLock the fingering into muscle memory ProgressionChord progressionsHow this chord works inside real progressions

Recommended for you

A Ionian (major)A scale related to this chord

A LydianA scale related to this chord

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 Amaj13 chord?

How do I build Amaj13 on the keyboard?

Which keys is Amaj13 found in?

What can I substitute for Amaj13?