Cb13#9

Q: What notes are in the Cb13#9 chord?

The Cb13#9 chord (C b13#9) contains: C, E, G, Bb, D#, Ab. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Cb13#9 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 Cb13#9 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 Cb13#9?

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 b13#9

Octaves

Musical context

ChordC majorTriad

ChordCb13#9C b13#9

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 b13#9
Symbol: Cb13#9
Root: C
Quality: b13#9

Chord notes

1Croot

3Emajor 3rd

5Gperfect 5th

b7Bbminor 7th

#2D#aug 2nd

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: Cb13#9source
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: Cb13#9source
Deceptive resolution
AmA Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
Cb13#9source
Modal resolution
A#A# Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
Cb13#9source
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).
Cb13#9source
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 #9 and b13
Characteristic interval: Augmented 9th (#9), Minor 13th (b13)
Description: The augmented 9th clashes chromatically with the major 3rd, while the minor 13th lies a semitone above the perfect 5th. The two alterations intensify dominant dissonance.
Application: Avant-garde jazz
Altered dominants
Experimental harmony

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1C(C4)Bass

root

v2E(E4)M3from C

v3G(G4)m3from E

v4Bb(Bb4)m3from G

v5D#(D#5)P4from Bb

v6Ab(Ab5)P4from D#

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.

ScaleG# Harmonic major ScaleG# Bebop major ScaleC Chromatic scale ScaleD# Chromatic scale ScaleE Chromatic scale ScaleG Chromatic scale ScaleG# Chromatic scale ScaleA# Chromatic scale ScaleC# Chromatic scale ScaleD Chromatic scale

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Cb13#9 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

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What notes are in the Cb13#9 chord?

How do I build Cb13#9 on the keyboard?

Which keys is Cb13#9 found in?

What can I substitute for Cb13#9?