C13 guitar chord
The C13 chord (C dominant 13th) is built from the notes C, E, G, Bb, D and A, formula 1–3–5–b7–9–13.
- Notes
- C E G Bb D A
- Type
- dominant 13th
- Level
- Advanced
Barre · fret 3Shape 1 of 2
x35355How to play C13
The usual C13 shape is a barre chord: your index finger presses fret 3 across several strings (x35355). Barre chords take practice, so start by getting each string to ring clearly before worrying about speed.
Rich and bluesy, often used as a jazz or funk replacement for a 7th chord.
Other ways to play it
C13
Barre · fret 8
Questions
What notes are in the C13 chord?
C13 contains C, E, G, Bb, D and A. Its formula is 1–3–5–b7–9–13.
Is C13 hard to play on guitar?
It is harder than a basic open chord. The most common shape is x35355.
What can I play instead of C13?
C7 is the closest simpler chord. It keeps the same root and basic character, so it works when C13 is too hard or too busy.