The D13 guitar chord (D thirteenth) is an extended chord that adds complexity and color to your music. It’s often used in jazz, funk, and soul to create a rich, textured sound. This guide will cover what the D13 chord is, how to play it, common mistakes, and tips for mastering it.
1. What is a D13 Guitar Chord?
The D13 chord is an extended dominant chord that includes the root (D), major third (F#), perfect fifth (A), minor seventh (C), major ninth (E), and major thirteenth (B). It combines these notes to create a chord with a sophisticated and colorful sound.
D13 Chord Formula:
- Root (D)
- Major third (F#)
- Perfect fifth (A)
- Minor seventh (C)
- Major ninth (E)
- Major thirteenth (B)
This chord is often used to add tension and resolve it in a progression, offering a rich harmonic texture.
2. How to Play the D13 Guitar Chord
Here are a few ways to play the D13 chord on the guitar:
D13 (Root on 5th Fret)
How to Play:
- Mute the 6th (E) string by either not playing it or resting your thumb on it.
- Place your index finger to barre the 5th fret across the A (5th string), D (4th string), G (3rd string), B (2nd string), and high E (1st string).
- Place your ring finger on the 7th fret of the D string (4th string) for the F# note (major third).
- Place your pinky finger on the 7th fret of the B string (2nd string) for the B note (thirteenth).
- The high E string is covered by the 5th fret barre, giving you the A note (fifth).
Summary of Notes in This Voicing:
- D (root) – 5th fret on the A string
- F# (major third) – 7th fret on the D string
- C (minor seventh) – 5th fret on the G string
- B (thirteenth) – 7th fret on the B string
- A (fifth) – 5th fret on the high E string
D13 Open Position:
- Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the G string (3rd string).
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string (4th string).
- Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the B string (2nd string).
- Place your pinky finger on the 5th fret of the high E string (1st string).
- Avoid strumming the low E string (6th string).
This version of the D13 chord is somewhat simplified and may not include all the notes, but it provides a good starting point.
D13 Barre Chord (10th Fret):
- Barre your index finger across the 10th fret, from the A string (5th string) to the high E string (1st string).
- Place your middle finger on the 11th fret of the D string (4th string).
- Place your ring finger on the 12th fret of the G string (3rd string).
- Place your pinky finger on the 12th fret of the B string (2nd string).
- Strum from the A string down, playing the A, D, G, B, and high E strings.
This barre chord version gives a fuller, more complex sound and is suitable for more advanced players.
Strumming Tips:
- Ensure all notes are clear and not muted by checking each string individually.
- Experiment with fingerpicking or a light strum to bring out the nuances of the chord.
3. Video Tutorial
For a visual guide on how to play the D13 chord, check out this Video Tutorial on the D13 Chord. It covers different positions and techniques.
4. Common Mistakes and Tips for Playing the D13 Guitar Chord
Common Mistakes:
- Muted notes: Ensure each note in the chord rings out clearly, especially in the barre chord version.
- Incorrect finger positioning: Proper finger placement is crucial for the chord to sound clean and resonant.
- Strumming unwanted strings: Make sure you are only strumming the strings that are part of the chord.
Tips for Playing the D13 Chord:
- Check string clarity: Play each string individually to make sure the notes are ringing clearly.
- Work on barre strength: For the barre chord version, practice building finger strength to avoid muted notes.
- Practice transitions: Work on transitioning between D13 and other chords, such as D7 and G7, to improve your overall playing.
5. D13 Chord Variations
Here are some variations of the D13 chord:
- D13 (Root on 7th Fret):
- Move the D13 chord shape to the 7th fret for a different tonal quality and pitch.
- D9#11:
- Add a sharp eleventh (G#) to create a more dissonant and jazzy variation.
6. Chord Progressions and Songs Featuring the D13 Guitar Chord
Common Chord Progressions:
- D13 – G7 – Cmaj7: A smooth progression that uses D13 to add richness and complexity.
- D13 – A7 – Dmaj7: A progression that features D13 as a leading chord to A7 and resolves to Dmaj7.
- D13 – Em7 – A7: A jazzy progression where D13 adds tension before resolving to Em7 and A7.
Songs Featuring the D13 Chord:
- “All The Things You Are” by Jerome Kern: Uses chords like D13 to create a rich, sophisticated sound.
- “Blue Bossa” by Kenny Dorham: Features complex chords, including D13, in a jazz context.
- Jazz standards: Many jazz standards incorporate extended chords like D13 to add depth and color.
7. Tips for Practicing the D13 Guitar Chord
- Start slow: Practice the D13 chord slowly to ensure accuracy and clarity.
- Focus on finger placement: Ensure each finger is pressing the correct fret and string to avoid muted notes.
- Incorporate into progressions: Practice the D13 chord within various chord progressions to understand its role and function.
8. Related Chords to D13 Guitar Chord
Here are some related chords that complement the D13 chord:
- D7: The dominant seventh chord that is the basis for the D13 chord.
- G7: A dominant seventh chord that works well with D13 in many progressions.
- Dmaj7: The major seventh chord that can be used to resolve the tension created by D13.
The D13 guitar chord is a versatile and complex chord that adds sophistication and color to your music. Whether you’re working on jazz, funk, or any genre that benefits from rich harmonies, this chord can enhance your progressions and add a unique sound to your playing. Practice it slowly, focus on clarity, and use it to explore new musical possibilities. Happy playing!