Fb13b9

Q: What notes are in the Fb13b9 chord?

The Fb13b9 chord (F b13b9) contains: F, A, C, Eb, Gb, Db. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Fb13b9 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 Fb13b9 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 Fb13b9?

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 b13b9

Octaves

Musical context

ChordF majorTriad

ChordFb13b9F b13b9

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 b13b9
Symbol: Fb13b9
Root: F
Quality: b13b9

Chord notes

1Froot

3Amajor 3rd

5Cperfect 5th

b7Ebminor 7th

b2Gbminor 2nd

b6Dbminor 6th

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions: BbBb Major CC Major DmD Minor
Unstable degrees: 4Bb
b7Eb
resolves down to the resolution tonic
Main resolution: Fb13b9source
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: Fb13b9source
Deceptive resolution
DmD Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
Fb13b9source
Modal resolution
EbEb Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
Fb13b9source
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).
Fb13b9source
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 b9 and b13
Characteristic interval: Minor 9th (b9), Minor 13th (b13)
Description: The minor 9th and minor 13th add two chromatically altered tones to a dominant seventh chord. Both commonly resolve by semitone, giving the chord sharp, directed tension.
Application: Altered dominants in minor
Jazz
Harmonic minor

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1F(F4)Bass

root

v2A(A4)M3from F

v3C(C5)m3from A

v4Eb(Eb5)m3from C

v5Gb(Gb5)m3from Eb

v6Db(Db6)P5from Gb

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

ScaleC# Harmonic major ScaleD# Romanian minor ScaleD# Ukrainian Dorian ScaleF Phrygian dominant ScaleA# Harmonic minor ScaleC# Bebop major ScaleA# Bebop melodic minor ScaleC Chromatic scale ScaleC# Chromatic scale ScaleD# Chromatic scale

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Fb13b9 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.

Open Trainer

Test yourself

(Press any key to start)

What notes are in the Fb13b9 chord?

How do I build Fb13b9 on the keyboard?

Which keys is Fb13b9 found in?

What can I substitute for Fb13b9?