Cm13 Guitar Chord | How To Create and Play the C Minor Thirteen chord
Welcome to our tutorial on the C m13 chord, a rich and complex chord that belongs to the Minor Chords family. This chord is built from the notes C, Eb, G, Bb, D, F, and A, and is formed by stacking the intervals 1, b3, 5, b7, 9, 11, and 13.
The music intervals that make up this chord have specific names. The 1 is the Root, the b3 is the Minor Third, the 5 is the Perfect Fifth, the b7 is the Minor Seventh, the 9 is the Major Ninth, the 11 is the Perfect Eleventh, and the 13 is the Major Thirteenth.
Learning to play the C m13 chord involves understanding these intervals and how they are placed on the fretboard. To help you with this, we will provide chord diagrams and fretboard patterns that clearly show the tones that compose the chord. You can learn more about this in our tutorial on building chords by stacking intervals.
Our tutorial will also cover how the C m13 chord can be used in different musical contexts. For example, it often appears in jazz chord progressions, and knowing how to play it can greatly enhance your abilities as a jazz guitarist.
So whether you're an intermediate player looking to expand your chord vocabulary, or a seasoned pro seeking to deepen your understanding of music theory, this tutorial on the C m13 chord is a valuable resource. We recommend also checking out our tutorial on more advanced chords for further learning.
Notes in the C m13 chord:
Chord Structure:
Cm13 Guitar Chord Diagrams
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If you have difficulties with bar chord shapes, check the Bar Chords Tips tutorial.
You can also use this accessible chords page with written diagrams instruction.
Position 1
Barre
Movable
Position 2
Barre
Movable
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FAQ
What specific notes form the Cm13 chord?
The Cm13 chord is composed of seven distinct notes: C, Eb, G, Bb, D, F, and A. These notes are derived by stacking specific musical intervals from the root note, C.
Which musical intervals are present in a Cm13 chord?
The Cm13 chord is built by stacking seven specific intervals from the root. These are the 1 (Root), b3 (Minor Third), 5 (Perfect Fifth), b7 (Minor Seventh), 9 (Major Ninth), 11 (Perfect Eleventh), and 13 (Major Thirteenth).
How does the Cm13 chord get its 'minor' quality?
The 'minor' quality of the Cm13 chord is defined by two key intervals: the b3 (Minor Third) and the b7 (Minor Seventh). These characteristic intervals create the fundamental minor sound, which is then enhanced by the additional extensions.
Why is the Cm13 described as a 'rich and complex' chord?
The Cm13 chord is considered rich and complex because it incorporates a significant number of notes (seven) and a wide array of intervals, extending all the way up to the 13th. This extensive harmonic structure produces a sophisticated and full sound, adding considerable depth to musical arrangements.
In what musical styles or contexts is the Cm13 chord typically used?
The Cm13 chord is frequently used to add sophisticated harmonic color, particularly within jazz music. Its rich and extended sound makes it a common choice for creating advanced harmonies and is often found in jazz chord progressions, enhancing both improvisation and accompaniment.