F#b13b9
F# b13b9
Octaves
Musical context
How the chord relates to the scale, mode, key and progression.
Theory
General info
- Full name
- F# b13b9
- Symbol
- F#b13b9
- Root
- F#
- Quality
- b13b9
Chord notes
1F#root
3A#major 3rd
5C#perfect 5th
b7Eminor 7th
b2Gminor 2nd
b6Dminor 6th
Functions & resolutions
- Stability / tension
- Stable — can serve as major tonic
- Unstable degrees
- 4Bb7Eresolves down to the resolution tonic
- Main resolution
- 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
- As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.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).As the IV degree (subdominant), a major chord can resolve to V or directly to I (plagal cadence).
Substitutions
- Tritone substitution
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#(F#4)Bass
v2A#(A#4) M3from F#
v3C#(C#5) m3from A#
v4E(E5) m3from C#
v5G(G5) m3from E
v6D(D6) P5from G
Harmony
Compatible scales
All chord tones are contained in these scales — use them for improvisation.
This chord on guitar 🎸
See how F#b13b9 looks on guitar.
Circle of fifths
Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.
Recommended for you
Practice
Keyboard Trainer
Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.
Test yourself
(Press any key to start)