Bbb13b9

General info

Full name

Bb b13b9

Symbol

Bbb13b9

Root

Bb

Quality

b13b9

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

Bbb13b9source

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

Bbb13b9source

Deceptive resolution

GmG Minor

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

Bbb13b9source

Modal resolution

AbAb Major

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

Bbb13b9source

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).

Bbb13b9source

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 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

Harmony

Compatible scales

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