Abb13b9

Q: What notes are in the Abb13b9 chord?

The Abb13b9 chord (Ab b13b9) contains: Ab, C, Eb, Gb, A, Fb. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Abb13b9 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 Abb13b9 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 Abb13b9?

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 b13b9

Octaves

Musical context

ChordAb majorTriad

ChordAbb13b9Ab b13b9

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 b13b9
Symbol: Abb13b9
Root: Ab
Quality: b13b9

Chord notes

1Abroot

3Cmajor 3rd

5Ebperfect 5th

b7Gbminor 7th

b2Aminor 2nd

b6Fbminor 6th

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions: DbDb Major EbEb Major FmF Minor
Unstable degrees: 4Db
b7Gb
resolves down to the resolution tonic
Main resolution: Abb13b9source
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: Abb13b9source
Deceptive resolution
FmF Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
Abb13b9source
Modal resolution
GbGb Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
Abb13b9source
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).
Abb13b9source
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 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

v1Ab(Ab4)Bass

root

v2C(C5)M3from Ab

v3Eb(Eb5)m3from C

v4Gb(Gb5)m3from Eb

v5A(A5)m3from Gb

v6Fb(Fb6)P5from A

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

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

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Abb13b9 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

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What notes are in the Abb13b9 chord?

How do I build Abb13b9 on the keyboard?

Which keys is Abb13b9 found in?

What can I substitute for Abb13b9?