Ab7b13

General info

Full name

Ab 7b13

Symbol

Ab7b13

Root

Ab

Quality

7b13

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key

VDominant (V)C# major

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as major tonic

Most common resolutions

DbDb MajorEbEb MajorFmF Minor

Unstable degrees

4Db

b7Gb

resolves down to the resolution tonic

Main resolution

Ab7b13source

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

Ab7b13source

Deceptive resolution

FmF Minor

As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).

Ab7b13source

Modal resolution

GbGb Major

In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.

Ab7b13source

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).

Ab7b13source

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 a lowered 13th

Characteristic interval

Minor 7th (b7), Minor 13th (b13)

Description

The major 3rd and minor 7th preserve dominant function, while b13 lies a semitone above the perfect 5th and permits semitone resolution.

Application

• V7b13–i in minor
• Altered dominant
• Chromatic voice leading

Voicing & structure

Harmony

Compatible scales

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