The E13 guitar chord is a rich and complex chord that adds a sophisticated, jazzy flavor to your music. It’s an extension of the E7 chord with added notes, making it a staple in jazz, funk, and blues. The 13th chord provides a lush, full sound that can elevate your harmonic progressions.
1. What is an E13 Guitar Chord?
The E13 chord is an extended dominant chord that includes the root, major third, perfect fifth, minor seventh, and the 13th (which is the 6th note of the scale). It’s often used to create tension and resolution in various musical contexts.
E13 Chord Formula:
- Root (E)
- Major third (G#)
- Perfect fifth (B)
- Minor seventh (D)
- Major 13th (C#)
The addition of the 13th note gives the chord its distinctive, colorful sound.
2. How to Play the E13 Guitar Chord
The E13 chord can be played in different positions on the guitar. The most common voicings involve barre chords or specific shapes to include all necessary notes.
E13 Open Position (Simplified Voicing):
- Place your index finger on the 7th fret of the A string (5th string).
- Place your middle finger on the 6th fret of the D string (4th string).
- Place your ring finger on the 7th fret of the G string (3rd string).
- Place your pinky on the 8th fret of the B string (2nd string).
- Strum from the A string down, letting the high E string ring open.
This simplified voicing covers the essential notes of the E13 chord and is relatively easy to play.
E13 Barre Chord (7th Fret):
- Barre your index finger across all strings at the 7th fret.
- Place your middle finger on the 8th fret of the B string (2nd string).
- Place your ring finger on the 9th fret of the G string (3rd string).
- Strum from the low E string down.
This barre chord version gives a fuller sound and incorporates the 13th note effectively.
Strumming Tips:
- Strum with intention: Make sure each note is clear and intentional to fully capture the chord’s rich sound.
- Mute unwanted strings: Be mindful of muting strings you don’t want to ring out, especially when playing the open position.
3. Video Tutorial
For a visual guide, check out this Video Tutorial on the E13 Guitar Chord. The tutorial will walk you through different shapes and practical applications of the E13 chord.
4. Common Mistakes and Tips for Playing the E13 Guitar Chord
Common Mistakes:
- Inaccurate barre: Ensure your index finger is barring properly across the frets to avoid muted strings.
- Omitting notes: Make sure to include all the necessary notes to achieve the full E13 sound.
Tips for Playing the E13 Chord:
- Practice chord transitions: Work on moving smoothly between the E13 and other chords, especially dominant and major chords.
- Use in appropriate contexts: The E13 chord works best in jazz, blues, and funk progressions. Practice using it in these styles to get a feel for its sound.
5. E13 Chord Variations
Here are some variations of the E13 chord:
- E13 (without the 5th): Sometimes the perfect fifth (B) is omitted for a more streamlined sound.
- E13b9: Adds a flat 9th (F) along with the 13th, creating a more tense and complex chord.
- Emaj13: Includes a major 7th (D#) instead of a minor 7th, giving a different flavor to the 13th chord.
6. Chord Progressions and Songs Featuring the E13 Guitar Chord
Common Chord Progressions:
- E13 – A7 – Dmaj7: A classic jazz progression where E13 serves as a dominant chord leading to A7 and resolving to Dmaj7.
- E13 – B7 – E: A progression where E13 resolves to B7, creating a strong resolution back to E major.
- E13 – C#m7 – F#7: A progression used in jazz and blues contexts where E13 provides tension before moving to C#m7 and F#7.
Songs Featuring the E13 Chord:
- “Autumn Leaves” by Joseph Kosma: Utilizes E13 to add color and sophistication to the chord progression.
- “Blue Bossa” by Kenny Dorham: Features E13 in a jazz context to create a rich harmonic texture.
- “All the Things You Are” by Jerome Kern: Includes E13 as part of its complex harmonic structure.
7. Tips for Practicing the E13 Guitar Chord
- Practice with a metronome: Work on playing the E13 chord in time with a metronome to build rhythm and timing.
- Explore different voicings: Experiment with various shapes and positions of the E13 chord to find the best sound for your musical context.
- Incorporate into progressions: Use the E13 chord in different progressions to understand its role and how it interacts with other chords.
8. Related Chords to E13 Guitar Chord
Here are some related chords that are often used alongside or in place of the E13 chord:
- E7: The basic dominant seventh chord from which E13 is derived.
- E9: Adds a 9th (F#) to the E7 chord, providing a similar but slightly different tension.
- A13: The 13th chord based on A, which can complement E13 in progressions.
- Emaj7: A major 7th chord that provides a contrasting sound to the E13 chord.
The E13 guitar chord is a versatile and sophisticated chord that adds a rich, jazzy texture to your music. Its complex sound makes it ideal for jazz, blues, and funk. Practice incorporating the E13 chord into your progressions to explore its full potential and enhance your harmonic palette!