Emaj13

Q: What notes are in the Emaj13 chord?

The Emaj13 chord (E Major 13) contains: E, G#, B, D#, F#, C#. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Emaj13 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 Emaj13 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 Emaj13?

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 Major 13

Octaves

Musical context

ChordE majorTriad

ChordEmaj13E Major 13

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 Major 13
Symbol: Emaj13
Root: E
Quality: Major 13

Chord notes

1Eroot

3G#major 3rd

5Bperfect 5th

7D#major 7th

2F#major 2nd

6C#major 6th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: ITonic (I)E major
Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions: AA Major BB Major C#mC# Minor
Unstable degrees: 7D#
1E
resolves up to the root
Main resolution: Emaj13source
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: Emaj13source
Deceptive resolution
C#mC# Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
Emaj13source
Modal resolution
DD Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
Emaj13source
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).
Emaj13source
Functional resolution
BB 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

v1E(E4)Bass

root

v2G#(G#4)M3from E

v3B(B4)m3from G#

v4D#(D#5)M3from B

v5F#(F#5)m3from D#

v6C#(C#6)P5from F#

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

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

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Emaj13 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 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

E Ionian (major)A scale related to this chord

E LydianA scale related to this chord

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 Emaj13 chord?

How do I build Emaj13 on the keyboard?

Which keys is Emaj13 found in?

What can I substitute for Emaj13?