Bbmaj13

Q: What notes are in the Bbmaj13 chord?

The Bbmaj13 chord (Bb Major 13) contains: Bb, D, F, A, C, G. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Bbmaj13 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 Bbmaj13 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 Bbmaj13?

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.

Bb Major 13

Octaves

Musical context

ChordBb majorTriad

ChordBbmaj13Bb Major 13

ArpeggioBb majorBroken triad

ScaleBb major7 notes

KeyBb majorMajor key

ProgressionPop axisSequence

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

Theory

General info

Full name: Bb Major 13
Symbol: Bbmaj13
Root: Bb
Quality: Major 13

Chord notes

1Bbroot

3Dmajor 3rd

5Fperfect 5th

7Amajor 7th

2Cmajor 2nd

6Gmajor 6th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: IVSubdominant (IV)F major
Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions: EbEb Major FF Major GmG Minor
Unstable degrees: 7A
1Bb
resolves up to the root
Main resolution: Bbmaj13source
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: Bbmaj13source
Deceptive resolution
GmG Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
Bbmaj13source
Modal resolution
AbAb Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
Bbmaj13source
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).
Bbmaj13source
Functional resolution
FF Major
As the IV degree (subdominant), a major chord can resolve to V or directly to I (plagal cadence).

Features

Character: Major, with major 7th and 13th
Characteristic interval: Major 7th (M7), 13th
Description: The major 7th and 13th extend the major triad into a seven-note harmonic structure.
Application: Final jazz cadences
Orchestral arrangements
Modern pop and neo-soul

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1Bb(Bb4)Bass

root

v2D(D5)M3from Bb

v3F(F5)m3from D

v4A(A5)M3from F

v5C(C6)m3from A

v6G(G6)P5from C

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

ScaleC Dorian ScaleC Mixolydian ScaleD Phrygian ScaleD Aeolian (natural minor)ScaleF Ionian (major)ScaleF Mixolydian ScaleG Dorian ScaleG Aeolian (natural minor)ScaleA Phrygian ScaleA Locrian

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Bbmaj13 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: GmG minor
Dominant: FF major
Subdominant: EbEb major
Key signature: 2 flats (Bb, Eb)

What to learn next

ScaleBb Ionian (major)Scale to improvise over this chord PracticeChord trainerLock the fingering into muscle memory ProgressionChord progressionsHow this chord works inside real progressions

Recommended for you

Bb Ionian (major)A scale related to this chord

Bb LydianA scale related to this chord

Bb Chromatic scaleA scale related to this chord

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

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

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Test yourself

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What notes are in the Bbmaj13 chord?

How do I build Bbmaj13 on the keyboard?

Which keys is Bbmaj13 found in?

What can I substitute for Bbmaj13?