E Dominant Thirteen Flat Nine Guitar Chord Charts & Variations
Welcome to our tutorial on the E 13(b9) chord, a complex and rich sounding chord that belongs to the Dominant Chords family. This chord is composed of the notes E, G#, B, D, F, A, and C#, and is built using the intervals 1, 3, 5, b7, b9, 11, and 13.
Understanding the intervals that make up this chord is key to mastering its structure and sound. For those who need a refresher, you can check out our tutorial about fretboard intervals. The intervals of the E 13(b9) chord are the Root (1), Major Third (3), Perfect Fifth (5), Minor Seventh (b7), Minor Ninth (b9), Perfect Eleventh (11), and Major Thirteenth (13).
This chord is not for the faint-hearted, it's more advanced than what beginners might be used to. If you're just starting out, you might want to check out our tutorial about more advanced chords before diving into this one.
One of the fascinating aspects of the E 13(b9) chord is its versatility. It's a staple in jazz chord progressions, but it can also be found in blues, rock, and other genres. If you're interested in exploring these progressions further, our tutorial about jazz chord progression is a great place to start.
Throughout this tutorial, we'll be using chord diagrams and fretboard patterns to show the tones composing the chord. If you're unsure about how to read these diagrams or want to learn more about chord notation, our tutorial on how to denote chords can be a helpful resource.
Mastering the E 13(b9) chord is a significant step in your guitar journey. It's a complex chord, but with practice and understanding, it can add a unique flavor to your playing. So grab your guitar, and let's dive in!
Notes in the E 13(b9) chord:
Tones in the Dominant Thirteen Flat Nine chord:
E Dominant Thirteen Flat Nine Guitar Chord Fingers Positions
Chord boxes are sorted from the easiest to the hardest. Learn how to read chord diagrams.
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
Open
You can find more shapes in our all guitar chords online library. If you
prefer a printable pdf, download
the Free Guitar Chords Chart Pdf
FAQ
What is an E 13(b9) chord and why is it considered complex?
The E 13(b9) is a complex dominant chord defined by its unique combination of intervals: Root, Major Third, Perfect Fifth, Minor Seventh, Minor Ninth, Perfect Eleventh, and Major Thirteenth. It is considered complex due to the large number of notes involved (seven) and the specific tensions (b9, 11, 13) that extend beyond a basic dominant seventh chord, which gives it a rich, sophisticated sound.
What specific notes and intervals comprise the E 13(b9) chord?
For an E 13(b9) chord, the notes are E, G#, B, D, F, A, and C#. These correspond to the intervals of Root (E), Major Third (G#), Perfect Fifth (B), Minor Seventh (D), Minor Ninth (F), Perfect Eleventh (A), and Major Thirteenth (C#) respectively.
Why is the E 13(b9) chord classified as a 'Dominant Chord'?
The E 13(b9) chord is classified as a dominant chord because its fundamental structure includes a root, major third, and minor seventh (E, G#, D). These core intervals create a characteristic tension and strong pull towards a tonic chord, defining its dominant function in harmony. The added b9, 11, and 13 are extensions that enhance this dominant quality.
In what musical contexts is the E 13(b9) chord commonly used?
The E 13(b9) chord is highly versatile and a staple in jazz chord progressions due to its rich and colorful sound. Beyond jazz, its unique character makes it suitable for adding complexity and sophistication to blues, rock, and various other contemporary genres.