Gb7b13

Q: What notes are in the Gb7b13 chord?

The Gb7b13 chord (Gb 7b13) contains: Gb, Bb, Db, Fb, D. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Gb7b13 on the keyboard?

Take the root and add the remaining chord tones following the interval formula. The highlight shows chord content, while the inversion control changes which chord tone is in the bass.

Q: Which keys is Gb7b13 found in?

The chord acts as a diatonic degree in several keys — they are marked on the circle of fifths in the "Harmonic context" block.

Q: What can I substitute for Gb7b13?

A substitution depends on harmonic function and voice leading, not only on shared tones. Computed options appear in the "Substitutions" block and should be checked in context.

Gb 7b13

Octaves

Musical context

ChordGb majorTriad

ChordGb7b13Gb 7b13

ArpeggioGb majorBroken triad

ScaleGb major7 notes

KeyGb majorMajor key

ProgressionPop axisSequence

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

Theory

General info

Full name: Gb 7b13
Symbol: Gb7b13
Root: Gb
Quality: 7b13

Chord notes

1Gbroot

3Bbmajor 3rd

5Dbperfect 5th

b7Fbminor 7th

b6Dminor 6th

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions: BB Major DbDb Major EbmEb Minor
Unstable degrees: 4B
b7E
resolves down to the resolution tonic
Main resolution: Gb7b13source
DbDb Major
Major chord Gb is a stable tonic. As tonic it doesn't require resolution, but in a progression context typically moves to IV or V.
Other resolutions: Gb7b13source
Deceptive resolution
EbmEb Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
Gb7b13source
Modal resolution
EE Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
Gb7b13source
Jazz reharmonization
Gbmaj7Gb 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).
Gb7b13source
Functional resolution
DbDb Major
As the IV degree (subdominant), a major chord can resolve to V or directly to I (plagal cadence).

Substitutions

Tritone substitution: C7C 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

Root position

v1Gb(Gb4)Bass

root

v2Bb(Bb4)M3from Gb

v3Db(Db5)m3from Bb

v4Fb(Fb5)m3from Db

v5D(D6)m7from Fb

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

ScaleC# Neapolitan major ScaleD Lydian augmented ScaleD Harmonic major ScaleE Romanian minor ScaleE Ukrainian Dorian ScaleF# Phrygian dominant ScaleF# Mixolydian ♭6 ScaleA# Altered (super Locrian)ScaleB Harmonic minor ScaleB Melodic minor

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Gb7b13 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: D#mD# minor
Dominant: DbDb major
Subdominant: BB major
Key signature: 6 sharps (F#, C#, G#, D#, A#, E#)

What to learn next

ScaleF# Chromatic scaleScale to improvise over this chord PracticeChord trainerLock the fingering into muscle memory ProgressionChord progressionsHow this chord works inside real progressions

Recommended for you

F# Chromatic scaleA scale related to this chord

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.

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Test yourself

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What notes are in the Gb7b13 chord?

How do I build Gb7b13 on the keyboard?

Which keys is Gb7b13 found in?

What can I substitute for Gb7b13?