Bb7b13

General info

Full name

Bb 7b13

Symbol

Bb7b13

Root

Bb

Quality

7b13

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as major tonic

Most common resolutions

EbEb MajorFF MajorGmG Minor

Unstable degrees

4Eb

b7Ab

resolves down to the resolution tonic

Main resolution

Bb7b13source

FF Major

Major chord Bb is a stable tonic. As tonic it doesn't require resolution, but in a progression context typically moves to IV or V.

Other resolutions

Bb7b13source

Deceptive resolution

GmG Minor

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

Bb7b13source

Modal resolution

AbAb Major

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

Bb7b13source

Jazz reharmonization

Bbmaj7Bb 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).

Bb7b13source

Functional resolution

FF Major

As the IV degree (subdominant), a major chord can resolve to V or directly to I (plagal cadence).

Substitutions

Tritone substitution

E7E 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.