C13b9

General info

Full name

C 13b9

Symbol

C13b9

Root

C

Quality

13b9

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as major tonic

Most common resolutions

FF MajorGG MajorAmA Minor

Unstable degrees

4F

b7A#

resolves down to the resolution tonic

Main resolution

C13b9source

GG Major

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

Other resolutions

C13b9source

Deceptive resolution

AmA Minor

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

C13b9source

Modal resolution

A#A# Major

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

C13b9source

Jazz reharmonization

Cmaj7C 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).

C13b9source

Functional resolution

GG Major

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

Substitutions

Tritone substitution

F#7F# Dominant 7

Features

Character

Dominant, with b9 and 13th

Characteristic interval

Minor 9th (b9), 13th

Description

The minor 9th sharpens dominant tension, while the major 13th adds a consonant extension. The contrast between b9 and 13 makes the chord dense while preserving a clear dominant function.

Application

• V13b9 → i in minor
• Latin jazz
• Advanced jazz cadences

Voicing & structure

Harmony

Typical progressions

I-V-vi-IV

C—G—Am—F

Pop

Compatible scales

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