Em13

General info

Full name

E Minor 13

Symbol

Em13

Root

E

Quality

Minor 13

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key

iiSubdominant (ii)D major

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as major tonic

Most common resolutions

AA MajorBB MajorC#mC# Minor

Unstable degrees

4A

b7D

resolves down to the resolution tonic

Main resolution

Em13source

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

Em13source

Deceptive resolution

C#mC# Minor

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

Em13source

Modal resolution

DD Major

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

Em13source

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).

Em13source

Functional resolution

BB Major

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

Features

Character

Minor, with minor 7th, 9th and major 13th

Characteristic interval

Minor 3rd (m3), Minor 7th (b7), Major 13th (13)

Description

The m7 core preserves minor quality, while the major 13th emphasises natural scale degree 6. This combination has a particularly clear Dorian association.

Application

• Dorian harmony
• Minor tonic in jazz
• Neo-soul and fusion

Voicing & structure

Harmony

Compatible scales

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