F#13b5b9

Q: What notes are in the F#13b5b9 chord?

The F#13b5b9 chord (F# 13b5b9) contains: F#, A#, C, E, G, D#. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build F#13b5b9 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 F#13b5b9 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 F#13b5b9?

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

ChordF#13b5b9F# 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: F#13b5b9
Root: F#
Quality: 13b5b9

Chord notes

1F#root

3A#major 3rd

b5Cdim 5th

b7Eminor 7th

b2Gminor 2nd

6D#major 6th

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions: BB Major C#C# Major D#mD# Minor
Unstable degrees: 4B
b5C
resolves inward to the 4th
4B
b7E
resolves down to the resolution tonic
Main resolution: F#13b5b9source
C#C# 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: F#13b5b9source
Deceptive resolution
D#mD# Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
F#13b5b9source
Modal resolution
EE Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
F#13b5b9source
Jazz reharmonization
F#maj7F# 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).
F#13b5b9source
Functional resolution
C#C# Major
As the IV degree (subdominant), a major chord can resolve to V or directly to I (plagal cadence).

Substitutions

Tritone substitution: C7C 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#(F#4)Bass

root

v2A#(A#4)M3from F#

v3C(C5)M2from A#

v4E(E5)M3from C

v5G(G5)m3from E

v6D#(D#6)m6from G

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

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

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how F#13b5b9 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: D#mD# minor
Dominant: DbDb major
Subdominant: BB major
Key signature: 6 sharps (F#, C#, G#, D#, A#, E#)

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 F#13b5b9 chord?

How do I build F#13b5b9 on the keyboard?

Which keys is F#13b5b9 found in?

What can I substitute for F#13b5b9?