Gbmaj13

Gb Major 13

Octaves

Musical context

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

Theory

General info

Full name
Gb Major 13
Symbol
Gbmaj13
Root
Gb
Quality
Major 13

Chord notes

1Gbroot
3Bbmajor 3rd
5Dbperfect 5th
7Fmajor 7th
2Abmajor 2nd
6Ebmajor 6th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key
IVSubdominant (IV)C# major
Stability / tension
Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions
Unstable degrees
7F
1Gb
resolves up to the root
Main resolution
Gbmaj13source
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
Gbmaj13source
Deceptive resolution
EbmEb Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
Gbmaj13source
Modal resolution
EE Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
Gbmaj13source
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).
Gbmaj13source
Functional resolution
DbDb Major
As the IV degree (subdominant), a major chord can resolve to V or directly to I (plagal cadence).

Features

Character
Major, with major 7th and 13th
Characteristic interval
Major 7th (M7), 13th
Description
The major 7th and 13th extend the major triad into a seven-note harmonic structure.
Application
  • Final jazz cadences
  • Orchestral arrangements
  • Modern pop and neo-soul

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1Gb(Gb4)Bass
root
v2Bb(Bb4)M3from Gb
v3Db(Db5)m3from Bb
v4F(F5)M3from Db
v5Ab(Ab5)m3from F
v6Eb(Eb6)P5from Ab

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Gbmaj13 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

CAmGEmDBmAF#mEC#mBG#mF#D#mDbBbmAbFmEbCmBbGmFDmF#major
Relative key
Dominant
Subdominant
Key signature
6 sharps (F#, C#, G#, D#, A#, E#)

Practice

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Frequently Asked Questions