Gm13

G Minor 13

Octaves

Musical context

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

Theory

General info

Full name
G Minor 13
Symbol
Gm13
Root
G
Quality
Minor 13

Chord notes

1Groot
b3Bbminor 3rd
5Dperfect 5th
b7Fminor 7th
2Amajor 2nd
6Emajor 6th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key
iiSubdominant (ii)F major
Stability / tension
Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions
Unstable degrees
4C
b7F
resolves down to the resolution tonic
Main resolution
Gm13source
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
Gm13source
Deceptive resolution
EmE Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
Gm13source
Modal resolution
FF Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
Gm13source
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).
Gm13source
Functional resolution
DD Major
As the IV degree (subdominant), a major chord can resolve to V or directly to I (plagal cadence).

Features

Character
Minor, with minor 7th, 9th and major 13th
Characteristic interval
Minor 3rd (m3), Minor 7th (b7), Major 13th (13)
Description
The m7 core preserves minor quality, while the major 13th emphasises natural scale degree 6. This combination has a particularly clear Dorian association.
Application
  • Dorian harmony
  • Minor tonic in jazz
  • Neo-soul and fusion

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1G(G4)Bass
root
v2Bb(Bb4)m3from G
v3D(D5)M3from Bb
v4F(F5)m3from D
v5A(A5)M3from F
v6E(E6)P5from A

Harmony

Typical progressions

Compatible scales

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

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Gm13 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