Cmaj13 — C, E, G, B, D, A — is a major 13th chord: stacked thirds through the 13th — maj7 + 9 + 13 (the 11th is conventionally omitted to avoid clashing with the 3rd). The full-stacked tonic sonority of advanced jazz harmony.
Intervals
The C major 13 chord stacks two thirds on the root. Each interval and its size in semitones:
- C→Emajor 3rd4 semitones
- E→Gminor 3rd3 semitones
- G→Bmajor 3rd4 semitones
- B→Dminor 3rd3 semitones
- D→Aperfect 5th7 semitones
On the keyboard
Each note of the C major 13 chord highlighted on a piano. Pitch class is what matters — any octave works.
On the guitar
One voicing of the C major 13 chord on a six-string guitar fretboard.
- 1C
- 3E
- 5G
- 7B
- 9D
- 13A
Common mistakes
The defining note is the 13th (A). It sits more than an octave above the root, which is why the chord needs a wide voicing — in tight piano voicings the 13th usually appears in the top register while the root and lower triad tones cluster below.
In context
Functions as the fully-extended Imaj13 — a complete tonic sonority in modern jazz harmony.
Drill it
The C major 13 chord is one of 48 in the Chord Trainer. Open the full trainer to practice it alongside related chords with timing and best-time tracking.
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Frequently asked
- What notes are in a Cmaj13 chord?
- Cmaj13 contains six notes: C, E, G, B, D, A.
- How is Cmaj13 different from Cmaj7?
- Cmaj13 adds the 13th (A) on top of the underlying 7th chord. The 13th extends the chord into the next octave and adds harmonic colour.
- When is Cmaj13 used in music?
- Functions as the fully-extended Imaj13 — a complete tonic sonority in modern jazz harmony.