Scale degrees · C major
The 13 of C is A
The 13 (thirteen) of C is A: a major thirteenth above the root.
C — the root, 1A — the 13
How to find it
A 13th is a 6th an octave up, so it takes the 6th's letter: C, D, E, F, G, A.
Then the sound: a major thirteenth is 21 semitones above C, which is exactly where A is — no sharp or flat needed.
Where you meet it
The 13 is the 6 an octave up: the top of a thirteenth chord, and of the classic dominant voicing with the 3 and the ♭7.
In C13:
C · E · G · B♭ · D · A
The 13 in every key
| Key | The 13 |
|---|---|
| C | A |
| G | E |
| D | B |
| A | F♯ |
| E | C♯ |
| B | G♯ |
| F♯ | D♯ |
| D♭ | B♭ |
| A♭ | F |
| E♭ | C |
| B♭ | G |
| F | D |
Every degree of C
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