C7b13

Q: What notes are in the C7b13 chord?

The C7b13 chord (C 7b13) contains: C, E, G, Bb, Ab. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build C7b13 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 C7b13 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 C7b13?

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.

C 7b13

Octaves

Musical context

ChordC majorTriad

ChordC7b13C 7b13

ArpeggioC majorBroken triad

ScaleC major7 notes

KeyC majorMajor key

ProgressionPop axisSequence

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

Theory

General info

Full name: C 7b13
Symbol: C7b13
Root: C
Quality: 7b13

Chord notes

1Croot

3Emajor 3rd

5Gperfect 5th

b7Bbminor 7th

b6Abminor 6th

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions: FF Major GG Major AmA Minor
Unstable degrees: 4F
b7A#
resolves down to the resolution tonic
Main resolution: C7b13source
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: C7b13source
Deceptive resolution
AmA Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
C7b13source
Modal resolution
A#A# Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
C7b13source
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).
C7b13source
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 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

Root position

v1C(C4)Bass

root

v2E(E4)M3from C

v3G(G4)m3from E

v4Bb(Bb4)m3from G

v5Ab(Ab5)m7from Bb

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.

ScaleC Phrygian dominant ScaleC Mixolydian ♭6 ScaleE Altered (super Locrian)ScaleG Neapolitan major ScaleG# Lydian augmented ScaleG# Harmonic major ScaleA# Romanian minor ScaleA# Ukrainian Dorian ScaleF Harmonic minor ScaleF Melodic minor

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how C7b13 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: AmA minor
Dominant: GG major
Subdominant: FF major
Key signature: None

What to learn next

ScaleC Chromatic scaleScale to improvise over this chord PracticeChord trainerLock the fingering into muscle memory ProgressionChord progressionsHow this chord works inside real progressions

Recommended for you

C 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 C7b13 chord?

How do I build C7b13 on the keyboard?

Which keys is C7b13 found in?

What can I substitute for C7b13?