Scale degrees · E major
The 13 of E is C♯
The 13 (thirteen) of E is C♯ (C sharp): a major thirteenth above the root.
E — the root, 1C♯ — the 13
How to find it
A 13th is a 6th an octave up, so it takes the 6th's letter: E, F, G, A, B, C.
Then the sound: a major thirteenth is 21 semitones above E, and the C that is 21 semitones up is C♯.
That is why it is C♯ and not D♭: D♭ is the same key on the piano, but from E it would be a 14th, not a 13th.
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 E13:
E · G♯ · B · D · F♯ · C♯
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 E
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