C#maj13

Q: What notes are in the C#maj13 chord?

The C#maj13 chord (C# Major 13) contains: C#, E#, G#, B#, D#, A#. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build C#maj13 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 C#maj13 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 C#maj13?

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# Major 13

Octaves

Musical context

ChordC# majorTriad

ChordC#maj13C# Major 13

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# Major 13
Symbol: C#maj13
Root: C#
Quality: Major 13

Chord notes

1C#root

3E#major 3rd

5G#perfect 5th

7B#major 7th

2D#major 2nd

6A#major 6th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: ITonic (I)C# major
Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions: F#F# Major G#G# Major A#mA# Minor
Unstable degrees: 7C
1C#
resolves up to the root
Main resolution: C#maj13source
G#G# 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: C#maj13source
Deceptive resolution
A#mA# Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
C#maj13source
Modal resolution
BB Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
C#maj13source
Jazz reharmonization
C#maj7C# 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).
C#maj13source
Functional resolution
G#G# 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

v1C#(C#4)Bass

root

v2E#(E#4)M3from C#

v3G#(G#4)m3from E#

v4B#(B#5)M3from G#

v5D#(D#5)m3from B#

v6A#(A#5)P5from D#

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

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

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how C#maj13 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: BbmBb minor
Dominant: AbAb major
Subdominant: F#F# major
Key signature: 5 flats (Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb)

What to learn next

ScaleC# 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

C# Ionian (major)A scale related to this chord

C# LydianA scale related to this chord

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 C#maj13 chord?

How do I build C#maj13 on the keyboard?

Which keys is C#maj13 found in?

What can I substitute for C#maj13?