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
- ii
- Stability / tension
- Stable — can serve as major tonic
- Unstable degrees
- 4Cb7Fresolves down to the resolution tonic
- Main resolution
- 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
- 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).
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
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.
Circle of fifths
Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.
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Practice
Keyboard Trainer
Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.
Test yourself
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