F13b5b9

Q: What notes are in the F13b5b9 chord?

The F13b5b9 chord (F 13b5b9) contains: F, A, Cb, Eb, Gb, D. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build F13b5b9 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 F13b5b9 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 F13b5b9?

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.

F 13b5b9

Octaves

Musical context

ChordF majorTriad

ChordF13b5b9F 13b5b9

ArpeggioF majorBroken triad

ScaleF major7 notes

KeyF majorMajor key

ProgressionPop axisSequence

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

Theory

General info

Full name: F 13b5b9
Symbol: F13b5b9
Root: F
Quality: 13b5b9

Chord notes

1Froot

3Amajor 3rd

b5Cbdim 5th

b7Ebminor 7th

b2Gbminor 2nd

6Dmajor 6th

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions: BbBb Major CC Major DmD Minor
Unstable degrees: 4Bb
b5B
resolves inward to the 4th
4Bb
b7Eb
resolves down to the resolution tonic
Main resolution: F13b5b9source
CC Major
Major chord F is a stable tonic. As tonic it doesn't require resolution, but in a progression context typically moves to IV or V.
Other resolutions: F13b5b9source
Deceptive resolution
DmD Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
F13b5b9source
Modal resolution
EbEb Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
F13b5b9source
Jazz reharmonization
Fmaj7F 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).
F13b5b9source
Functional resolution
CC Major
As the IV degree (subdominant), a major chord can resolve to V or directly to I (plagal cadence).

Substitutions

Tritone substitution: B7B 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

v1F(F4)Bass

root

v2A(A4)M3from F

v3Cb(Cb4)M2from A

v4Eb(Eb5)M3from Cb

v5Gb(Gb5)m3from Eb

v6D(D6)m6from Gb

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

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

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how F13b5b9 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: DmD minor
Dominant: CC major
Subdominant: BbBb major
Key signature: 1 flat (Bb)

What to learn next

ScaleF 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

F 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 F13b5b9 chord?

How do I build F13b5b9 on the keyboard?

Which keys is F13b5b9 found in?

What can I substitute for F13b5b9?