Ebb13#9

General info

Full name

Eb b13#9

Symbol

Ebb13#9

Root

Eb

Quality

b13#9

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as major tonic

Most common resolutions

AbAb MajorBbBb MajorCmC Minor

Unstable degrees

4Ab

b7Db

resolves down to the resolution tonic

Main resolution

Ebb13#9source

BbBb Major

Major chord Eb is a stable tonic. As tonic it doesn't require resolution, but in a progression context typically moves to IV or V.

Other resolutions

Ebb13#9source

Deceptive resolution

CmC Minor

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

Ebb13#9source

Modal resolution

DbDb Major

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

Ebb13#9source

Jazz reharmonization

Ebmaj7Eb 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).

Ebb13#9source

Functional resolution

BbBb Major

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

Substitutions

Tritone substitution

A7A 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

Harmony

Compatible scales

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