Gb13b9

G b13b9

Octaves

Musical context

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

Theory

General info

Full name
G b13b9
Symbol
Gb13b9
Root
G
Quality
b13b9

Chord notes

1Groot
3Bmajor 3rd
5Dperfect 5th
b7Fminor 7th
b2Abminor 2nd
b6Ebminor 6th

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension
Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions
Unstable degrees
4C
b7F
resolves down to the resolution tonic
Main resolution
Gb13b9source
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
Gb13b9source
Deceptive resolution
EmE Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
Gb13b9source
Modal resolution
FF Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
Gb13b9source
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).
Gb13b9source
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

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

v1G(G4)Bass
root
v2B(B4)M3from G
v3D(D5)m3from B
v4F(F5)m3from D
v5Ab(Ab5)m3from F
v6Eb(Eb6)P5from Ab

Harmony

Typical progressions

Compatible scales

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

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Gb13b9 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

CAmGEmDBmAF#mEC#mBG#mF#D#mDbBbmAbFmEbCmBbGmFDmGmajor
Relative key
Dominant
Subdominant
Key signature
1 sharp (F#)

Practice

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Frequently Asked Questions