The CMaj13(#11) chord (also known as CMaj13, C Major 13 #11 and Câ–³13), has a distinctive and unique tone. The chord builds on CMaj#11 with one added note (A). When we say CMaj13, we assume that all the other extensions (tension notes) are included, such as the sharp 11th.
We have to sharpen the 11th as otherwise there would be a dissonant half step between the 3rd.
The notes in CMaj13 are:
A
F#
D
B
G
E
C
Within this chord also contains other chords which you can use to superimpose over a chord progression, particularly useful when soloing.
- From the Root: Câ–³13
- From the 3rd: E-7
- From the 5th: Gâ–³7
- From the 7th: B-7
- From the 9th: Dâ–³
Bass
Treble
Arpeggio
A series of individual notes that form the chord are called an arpeggio. Each note is a chord tone.
The Lydian Scale
The Lydian Scale is perfect to use over Cmaj13, as it contains the sharp 4th.
C-7b5 Backing Track
Use The Lydian Scale to play along to CMaj13.
Find some lines you can play over it by utilising your imagination. Make a real attempt to internalise the sound in order to train your ear.
My books are brimming with several variations on how to play intervals, scales, melodies, and more, so if you’re struggling to come up with new ideas, check them out!
It’s impossible to have inversions of this chord as you would create different chords with each inversion!
However, is possible to play the 13th without having the sharp 11th, and this is most commonly used as the 11th can often clash with other parts! To indicate this, we can say:
- Cmaj7(add 13)
- Cmaj9(add 13)
By saying ‘add,’ we’re told not to play the sharp 11th.
If You'd Like to Know More About Theory...Try My Books!
Other Chord Extensions
| Chord Name | Notes |
|---|---|
| Major Chords | |
| CMaj7 | C, E, G, B |
| CMaj9 | C, E, G, B, D |
| CMaj#11 | C, E, G, B, F# |
| CMaj13 | C, E, G, B, A |
| CMaj9(add13) | C, E, G, B, D, A |
| Minor Chords | |
| Cmin7 | C, Eb, G, Bb |
| Cmin9 | C, Eb, G, Bb, D |
| Cmin11 | C, Eb, G, Bb, F |
| Cmin13 | C, Eb, G, Bb, A |
| Dominant Chords | |
| C7 | C, E, G, Bb |
| C9 | C, E, G, Bb, D |
| C11 | C, E, G, Bb, F |
| C13 | C, E, G, Bb, A |
| Half Diminished Chords | |
| C-7b5 | C, Eb, Gb, Bb |
Read my ultimate guide on how to learn the bass guitar in the link below!
Howard Head
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