Ab13b5b9

Q: What notes are in the Ab13b5b9 chord?

The Ab13b5b9 chord (Ab 13b5b9) contains: Ab, C, D, Gb, A, F. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Ab13b5b9 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 Ab13b5b9 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 Ab13b5b9?

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.

Ab 13b5b9

Octaves

Musical context

ChordAb majorTriad

ChordAb13b5b9Ab 13b5b9

ArpeggioAb majorBroken triad

ScaleAb major7 notes

KeyAb majorMajor key

ProgressionPop axisSequence

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

Theory

General info

Full name: Ab 13b5b9
Symbol: Ab13b5b9
Root: Ab
Quality: 13b5b9

Chord notes

1Abroot

3Cmajor 3rd

b5Ddim 5th

b7Gbminor 7th

b2Aminor 2nd

6Fmajor 6th

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions: DbDb Major EbEb Major FmF Minor
Unstable degrees: 4Db
b5D
resolves inward to the 4th
4Db
b7Gb
resolves down to the resolution tonic
Main resolution: Ab13b5b9source
EbEb Major
Major chord Ab is a stable tonic. As tonic it doesn't require resolution, but in a progression context typically moves to IV or V.
Other resolutions: Ab13b5b9source
Deceptive resolution
FmF Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
Ab13b5b9source
Modal resolution
GbGb Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
Ab13b5b9source
Jazz reharmonization
Abmaj7Ab 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).
Ab13b5b9source
Functional resolution
EbEb Major
As the IV degree (subdominant), a major chord can resolve to V or directly to I (plagal cadence).

Substitutions

Tritone substitution: D7D Dominant 7

Features

Character: Dominant, with b5, b9 and 13th
Characteristic interval: Diminished 5th (b5), Minor 9th (b9), 13th
Description: The diminished 5th and minor 9th alter the dominant chord, while the major 13th extends it. Semitone tendencies from b5 and b9 create dense, directed tension.
Application: Avant-garde jazz
Complex cadences
Improvising over altered scales

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1Ab(Ab4)Bass

root

v2C(C5)M3from Ab

v3D(D5)M2from C

v4Gb(Gb5)M3from D

v5A(A5)m3from Gb

v6F(F6)m6from A

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

ScaleF# Hungarian minor ScaleC# Double harmonic ScaleC# Byzantine ScaleC Diminished scale ScaleD Diminished (half–whole)ScaleF Diminished (half–whole)ScaleF# Diminished scale ScaleG# Diminished (half–whole)ScaleA Diminished scale ScaleA Bebop melodic minor

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Ab13b5b9 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: FmF minor
Dominant: EbEb major
Subdominant: DbDb major
Key signature: 4 flats (Bb, Eb, Ab, Db)

What to learn next

ScaleAb 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

Ab 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 Ab13b5b9 chord?

How do I build Ab13b5b9 on the keyboard?

Which keys is Ab13b5b9 found in?

What can I substitute for Ab13b5b9?