Dominant Thirteenth Chord

The Dominant Thirteenth Chord extends the Dominant Ninth Chord by adding a major thirteenth. The notes are: root, major third, perfect fifth, minor seventh, major ninth, and major thirteenth. The perfect eleventh (which is between the ninth and thirteenth) is almost universally omitted in this chord, as its presence would create a strong dissonance with the major third of the chord (a semitone distance), making the voicing 'muddy'. The sound of the Dominant 13 is lush, rich, and very 'jazzy', with a balance between the intrinsic tension of the dominant (given by the tritone between the third and seventh) and the openness and melody added by the ninth and thirteenth. It is a chord that conveys a sense of completeness and sophistication, often used for section endings or to enrich the dominant in complex progressions. The thirteenth adds an 'airy' and melodic note that makes it particularly elegant.

Common Progressions

• V13 - I (a very rich and complete dominant resolution, typical of jazz, which leads to a I with a satisfying sound)
• ii - V13 - I (a standard jazz progression where the V13 adds a broad and sophisticated harmony to the dominant, creating a sense of fluidity and fullness towards the I)
• Often used at the end of phrases or sections in jazz, fusion, or soul songs for an elegant and resolving 'closure' sound.