E13b5b9

Q: What notes are in the E13b5b9 chord?

The E13b5b9 chord (E 13b5b9) contains: E, G#, Bb, D, F, C#. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build E13b5b9 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 E13b5b9 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 E13b5b9?

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.

E 13b5b9

Octaves

Musical context

ChordE majorTriad

ChordE13b5b9E 13b5b9

ArpeggioE majorBroken triad

ScaleE major7 notes

KeyE majorMajor key

ProgressionPop axisSequence

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

Theory

General info

Full name: E 13b5b9
Symbol: E13b5b9
Root: E
Quality: 13b5b9

Chord notes

1Eroot

3G#major 3rd

b5Bbdim 5th

b7Dminor 7th

b2Fminor 2nd

6C#major 6th

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions: AA Major BB Major C#mC# Minor
Unstable degrees: 4A
b5A#
resolves inward to the 4th
4A
b7D
resolves down to the resolution tonic
Main resolution: E13b5b9source
BB Major
Major chord E is a stable tonic. As tonic it doesn't require resolution, but in a progression context typically moves to IV or V.
Other resolutions: E13b5b9source
Deceptive resolution
C#mC# Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
E13b5b9source
Modal resolution
DD Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
E13b5b9source
Jazz reharmonization
Emaj7E 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).
E13b5b9source
Functional resolution
BB Major
As the IV degree (subdominant), a major chord can resolve to V or directly to I (plagal cadence).

Substitutions

Tritone substitution: Bb7Bb Dominant 7

Features

Character: Dominant, with b5, b9 and 13th
Characteristic interval: Diminished 5th (b5), Minor 9th (b9), 13th
Description: The diminished 5th and minor 9th alter the dominant chord, while the major 13th extends it. Semitone tendencies from b5 and b9 create dense, directed tension.
Application: Avant-garde jazz
Complex cadences
Improvising over altered scales

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1E(E4)Bass

root

v2G#(G#4)M3from E

v3Bb(Bb4)M2from G#

v4D(D5)M3from Bb

v5F(F5)m3from D

v6C#(C#6)m6from F

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

ScaleD Hungarian minor ScaleA Double harmonic ScaleA Byzantine ScaleC# Diminished (half–whole)ScaleD Diminished scale ScaleE Diminished (half–whole)ScaleF Diminished scale ScaleF Bebop melodic minor ScaleG# Diminished scale ScaleA# Diminished (half–whole)

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how E13b5b9 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: C#mC# minor
Dominant: BB major
Subdominant: AA major
Key signature: 4 sharps (F#, C#, G#, D#)

What to learn next

ScaleE 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

E 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 E13b5b9 chord?

How do I build E13b5b9 on the keyboard?

Which keys is E13b5b9 found in?

What can I substitute for E13b5b9?