Bm13

Q: What notes are in the Bm13 chord?

The Bm13 chord (B Minor 13) contains: B, D, F#, A, C#, G#. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Bm13 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 Bm13 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 Bm13?

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.

B Minor 13

Octaves

Musical context

ChordB minorTriad

ChordBm13B Minor 13

ArpeggioB minorBroken triad

ScaleB minor7 notes

KeyB minorMinor key

ProgressionAndalusianSequence

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

Theory

General info

Full name: B Minor 13
Symbol: Bm13
Root: B
Quality: Minor 13

Chord notes

1Broot

b3Dminor 3rd

5F#perfect 5th

b7Aminor 7th

2C#major 2nd

6G#major 6th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: iiSubdominant (ii)A major
Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions: EE Major F#F# Major G#mG# Minor
Unstable degrees: 4E
b7A
resolves down to the resolution tonic
Main resolution: Bm13source
F#F# Major
Major chord B is a stable tonic. As tonic it doesn't require resolution, but in a progression context typically moves to IV or V.
Other resolutions: Bm13source
Deceptive resolution
G#mG# Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
Bm13source
Modal resolution
AA Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
Bm13source
Jazz reharmonization
Bmaj7B 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).
Bm13source
Functional resolution
F#F# Major
As the IV degree (subdominant), a major chord can resolve to V or directly to I (plagal cadence).

Features

Character: Minor, with minor 7th, 9th and major 13th
Characteristic interval: Minor 3rd (m3), Minor 7th (b7), Major 13th (13)
Description: The m7 core preserves minor quality, while the major 13th emphasises natural scale degree 6. This combination has a particularly clear Dorian association.
Application: Dorian harmony
Minor tonic in jazz
Neo-soul and fusion

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1B(B4)Bass

root

v2D(D5)m3from B

v3F#(F#5)M3from D

v4A(A5)m3from F#

v5C#(C#6)M3from A

v6G#(G#6)P5from C#

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

ScaleC# Phrygian ScaleC# Phrygian dominant ScaleD Lydian ScaleF# Aeolian (natural minor)ScaleF# Harmonic minor ScaleG# Locrian ScaleA Ionian (major)ScaleB Dorian ScaleB Romanian minor ScaleB Ukrainian Dorian

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Bm13 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: G#mG# minor
Dominant: F#F# major
Subdominant: EE major
Key signature: 5 sharps (F#, C#, G#, D#, A#)

What to learn next

ScaleB DorianScale to improvise over this chord PracticeChord trainerLock the fingering into muscle memory ProgressionChord progressionsHow this chord works inside real progressions

Recommended for you

B DorianA scale related to this chord

B Chromatic scaleA scale related to this chord

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

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

Open Trainer

Test yourself

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What notes are in the Bm13 chord?

How do I build Bm13 on the keyboard?

Which keys is Bm13 found in?

What can I substitute for Bm13?