C Major 13 Chord

What is the C Major 13 Chord?

The C Major 13 chord is a useful grip to learn because it shows you the core chord tones you'll reuse in riffs, progressions, and improvisation.

Notes and Arpeggios

Major 13th chords are the lushest form of major harmony, stacking the 7th, 9th, and 13th over a major triad. They sound bright and orchestral — a classic way to end a jazz ballad or add maximum warmth to a major chord. The chord tones are: C, E, B, D, A. It's built from degrees 1, 3, 7, 9, and 13.

How to Use It

Extended voicings are a staple of jazz, neo-soul, and modern pop harmony. On guitar, start with the chord-box voicings, then find at least two different string sets where the same chord tones appear.

Move the shape to a few different frets while keeping the same interval structure in mind. Use the highlights to spot where the same tone repeats across strings.