G7b13

General info

Full name

G 7b13

Symbol

G7b13

Root

G

Quality

7b13

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as major tonic

Most common resolutions

CC MajorDD MajorEmE Minor

Unstable degrees

4C

b7F

resolves down to the resolution tonic

Main resolution

G7b13source

DD Major

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

Other resolutions

G7b13source

Deceptive resolution

EmE Minor

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

G7b13source

Modal resolution

FF Major

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

G7b13source

Jazz reharmonization

Gmaj7G 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).

G7b13source

Functional resolution

DD Major

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

Substitutions

Tritone substitution

C#7C# Dominant 7

Features

Character

Dominant, with a lowered 13th

Characteristic interval

Minor 7th (b7), Minor 13th (b13)

Description

The major 3rd and minor 7th preserve dominant function, while b13 lies a semitone above the perfect 5th and permits semitone resolution.

Application

• V7b13–i in minor
• Altered dominant
• Chromatic voice leading

Voicing & structure

Harmony

Typical progressions

I-V-vi-IV

C—G—Am—F

Pop

Compatible scales

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