Gbb13#9

Q: What notes are in the Gbb13#9 chord?

The Gbb13#9 chord (Gb b13#9) contains: Gb, Bb, Db, Fb, A, D. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Gbb13#9 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 Gbb13#9 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 Gbb13#9?

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 b13#9

Octaves

Musical context

ChordGb majorTriad

ChordGbb13#9Gb b13#9

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 b13#9
Symbol: Gbb13#9
Root: Gb
Quality: b13#9

Chord notes

1Gbroot

3Bbmajor 3rd

5Dbperfect 5th

b7Fbminor 7th

#2Aaug 2nd

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: Gbb13#9source
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: Gbb13#9source
Deceptive resolution
EbmEb Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
Gbb13#9source
Modal resolution
EE Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
Gbb13#9source
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).
Gbb13#9source
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 #9 and b13
Characteristic interval: Augmented 9th (#9), Minor 13th (b13)
Description: The augmented 9th clashes chromatically with the major 3rd, while the minor 13th lies a semitone above the perfect 5th. The two alterations intensify dominant dissonance.
Application: Avant-garde jazz
Altered dominants
Experimental harmony

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1Gb(Gb4)Bass

root

v2Bb(Bb4)M3from Gb

v3Db(Db5)m3from Bb

v4Fb(Fb5)m3from Db

v5A(A5)P4from Fb

v6D(D6)P4from A

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

ScaleD Harmonic major ScaleD Bebop major ScaleC# Chromatic scale ScaleD Chromatic scale ScaleE Chromatic scale ScaleF# Chromatic scale ScaleA Chromatic scale ScaleA# Chromatic scale ScaleC Chromatic scale ScaleD# Chromatic scale

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Gbb13#9 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 Gbb13#9 chord?

How do I build Gbb13#9 on the keyboard?

Which keys is Gbb13#9 found in?

What can I substitute for Gbb13#9?