The A13 guitar chord is an extended dominant chord that adds richness and complexity to your sound. It’s commonly used in jazz, blues, and funk music, offering a sophisticated alternative to the basic A7 chord. By adding the 13th note (which is F# in the key of A), the A13 chord creates a fuller, more colorful sound. In this guide, we’ll explore how to play the A13 chord, its variations, and how to use it in your guitar playing.
What is the A13 Guitar Chord?
The A13 chord is an A dominant 7th chord with the 13th (which is the same as the 6th note in the scale) added. Essentially, it’s an A7 chord extended by two extra notes: the 9th (B) and the 13th (F#).
The structure of the A13 chord is:
- A (Root)
- C# (Major 3rd)
- E (Perfect 5th)
- G (Minor 7th)
- B (9th)
- F# (13th)
This chord can be used in a variety of musical genres to create tension and provide a smooth resolution back to the tonic (A) or other chords in the progression.
How to Play the A13 Guitar Chord
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to play the A13 chord on the guitar:
Open Position A13 Chord (Common Voicing)
- Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string (D).
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 2nd string (B).
- Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the 1st string (high E).
- Place your pinky finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th string (A).
- Do not play the low E string (6th string).
- Strum from the 5th string down to the 1st string, ensuring each note rings clearly.
This voicing includes the A (root), C# (major 3rd), G (minor 7th), and B (9th), with the F# (13th) on the 2nd fret of the 1st string.
Barre Chord A13 Chord (Higher Position)
To play the A13 chord in a higher position:
- Barre your index finger across all strings on the 5th fret.
- Place your ring finger on the 7th fret of the 4th string (D).
- Place your pinky finger on the 7th fret of the 3rd string (G).
- Strum all six strings or from the 5th string (A) down.
This voicing gives you the A13 chord in a higher register and is great for use in more complex progressions.
Video Tutorial A13 Guitar Chord
For visual learners, a step-by-step video tutorial can make mastering the A13 Guitar Chord much easier. Here’s a helpful guide for you:
Common Chord Progressions Featuring the A13 Guitar Chord
The A13 chord is often used in jazz, blues, and funk. Here are some common chord progressions that feature the A13 chord:
- A13 – D9 – A13 (A common progression in blues)
- A13 – D13 – E13 (A smooth jazz progression)
- A13 – F#7 – Bm7 (A jazz progression with a smooth turnaround)
- A13 – E7 – A13 (A classic dominant chord movement)
The A13 chord is especially useful for building tension before resolving to the tonic or other dominant chords.
Common Mistakes and Tips for Playing the A13 Guitar Chord
Common Mistakes:
- Incorrect Finger Placement: The A13 chord includes several notes, and improper finger placement can mute one or more strings. Be sure each note is clearly audible.
- Strumming Unwanted Strings: Make sure not to play the 6th string (low E) unless it’s muted with your thumb.
- Not Playing the 13th (F#): The 13th note (F#) is essential for the A13 chord. If you’re not including it, the chord will sound incomplete.
Tips for Playing the A13 Chord:
- Mute the low E string: Use your thumb to lightly touch the low E string to mute it if necessary.
- Focus on clean finger placement: Press down hard enough to ensure each string rings clearly, but avoid pressing too hard, which could cause other strings to buzz.
- Start slow: If you’re new to the A13 chord, start slowly and practice the finger placements until the chord sounds clean.
Tips for Practicing the A13 Guitar Chord
- Practice chord transitions: Switch between A13 and other dominant chords like A7, D9, and E13 to get comfortable using the chord in different progressions.
- Use a metronome: Practicing with a metronome will help you stay on rhythm as you work on your chord changes.
- Play along with songs: Many jazz, blues, and funk songs use the A13 chord. Try playing along with these songs to get a feel for how the chord fits into real-world music.
Related Chords to A13 Guitar Chord
The A13 chord is part of a family of dominant 7th chords with extensions. Here are some related chords that share similarities with the A13 chord:
- A7: The basic dominant seventh chord from which the A13 is derived.
- A9: A simpler version of the A13 chord that includes the 9th but omits the 13th.
- D9: Often paired with A13 in jazz and blues progressions.
- E13: Another extended dominant chord, often used in jazz progressions alongside A13.
Conclusion
The A13 guitar chord is a rich and versatile extended chord that brings a sophisticated, jazzy flavor to your music. By learning the A13 chord, you’ll expand your musical vocabulary and be able to tackle more complex progressions and compositions in jazz, blues, and funk. With consistent practice and understanding, the A13 chord will become an essential tool in your guitar playing.
Happy playing!