The C13 guitar chord is an advanced, colorful chord used extensively in jazz, funk, and blues to add depth and sophistication to your music. It builds on the C dominant seventh chord with additional extensions to create a rich, complex sound. This guide will help you understand how to play the C13 chord, its variations, common mistakes, and more.
What is a C13 Guitar Chord?
The C13 chord is a dominant chord that includes the root (C), major third (E), perfect fifth (G), minor seventh (B♭), ninth (D), eleventh (F), and thirteenth (A). It’s often used to add tension and resolve to other chords in a progression.
C13 Formula:
- Root (C)
- Major third (E)
- Perfect fifth (G)
- Minor seventh (B♭)
- Ninth (D)
- Eleventh (F)
- Thirteenth (A)
How to Play the C13 Guitar Chord
There are a few different ways to play the C13 chord on the guitar, depending on the style and voicing you prefer.
C13 (Open Position)
This voicing has a warm, mellow tone, perfect for smooth jazz and soulful progressions.
How to Play:
- Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the D string (E note).
- Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the A string (C note).
- Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the G string (Bb note).
- Place your pinky finger on the 3rd fret of the B string (F note).
- Strum from the A string to the high E string.
C13 (Barre Chord Version)
A balanced, jazzy voicing that highlights the root, seventh, and thirteenth. Great for rhythm sections in jazz and blues.
How to Play:
- Barre your index finger across the 3rd fret of the A, D, and G strings.
- Place your middle finger on the 5th fret of the B string (F note).
- Place your pinky on the 5th fret of the high E string (A note).
- Strum from the A string down.
C13 (Simplified Shape)
A minimalistic version of the C13 chord that keeps the core notes while simplifying finger placement. It works well for funk and soul rhythms.
How to Play:
- Place your index finger on the 3rd fret of the A string (C note).
- Place your ring finger on the 5th fret of the D string (G note).
- Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the G string (Bb note).
- Strum only the A, D, and G strings for a tight, punchy sound.
Effect of the C13 Chord
- Rich, Complex Sound: The C13 chord adds a layer of sophistication and complexity to your playing, giving your progressions a deeper harmonic texture.
- Tension and Resolution: The inclusion of the 13th note introduces tension that wants to resolve, making it perfect for driving progressions or for use in jazz and blues to create emotional depth.
- Colorful and Expressive: The C13 is a versatile chord that can be used in various musical genres, providing a colorful addition to both rhythm and lead parts.
Songs Featuring the C13 Chord
The C13 chord, with its deep, jazzy character, is used to evoke tension and harmonic complexity in various music genres. From the soulful blues to the smooth jazz rhythms, this chord provides a vibrant and expressive tone that elevates the harmonic structure of any song. Let’s explore how the C13 chord shines in popular songs, from jazz standards to modern classics.
“What a Wonderful World” – Louis Armstrong
Effect: This classic ballad uses the C13 chord to add richness and harmonic depth to the chord progression, making it a timeless piece.
Use of C13: The C13 is used in the transition between sections, providing a smooth yet rich harmonic movement.
“Sir Duke” – Stevie Wonder
Effect: The C13 is used in this upbeat, funky tune to add color and tension, helping to create a dynamic, jazzy feel.
Use of C13: The C13 chord shows up during the chorus, adding to the overall groove and harmonic complexity of the song.
“All Blues” – Miles Davis
Effect: A cornerstone of jazz, this track frequently uses extended chords like C13 to create a rich, layered atmosphere that’s both relaxed and intense.
Use of C13: The C13 is used to give a bluesy feel to the progression, with its dominant, unresolved nature driving the harmonic tension.
“Georgia on My Mind” – Ray Charles
Effect: The C13 chord is part of the jazzy harmony in this soulful ballad, contributing to the song’s rich, emotional texture.
Use of C13: The C13 appears in the bridge, providing harmonic depth and a smooth transition between chords.
The C13 chord is an excellent addition to any guitarist’s toolkit. With its rich harmonic flavor and tension-filled sound, it is perfect for genres like jazz, blues, and soul. Whether you’re adding complexity to a chord progression or looking for a sophisticated chord for a solo, the C13 is a versatile and powerful choice. Experimenting with its different voicings will help you unlock new possibilities and enrich your guitar playing.
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