Finger Positions

Root Note C

Name C major thirteenth

Intervals 1P-3M-5P-7M-9M-13M

Relative Minor Am

Notes C, E, G, B, D, A

Aliases Cmaj13, CMaj13, C^13

How to play the Cmaj13 Chord

The Cmaj13 is a fundamental major chord in guitar music. To play this chord correctly, ensure your fingers are placed precisely on the frets indicated in the diagram above.

Music Theory Analysis

From a theoretical perspective, the C major thirteenth is built using the 1P, 3M, 5P, 7M, 9M, 13M intervals. In the key of C Major, this chord functions as the I chord.

Common Progressions

In music composition, the Cmaj13 chord is often used to create tension or resolution.

I-V-vi-IV

C → G → Am → F

vi-IV-I-V

Am → F → C → G

The Diatonic Family

Understanding the "family" of chords that belong to C helps with transposition and ear training.

Triads

C Dm Em F G Am Bdim

7ths

Cmaj7 Dm7 Em7 Fmaj7 G7 Am7 Bm7b5

Scale Compatibility

View All Scales

Major Bebop Lydian Bebop Major Ichikosucho Chromatic

* 6 scales found containing the notes C, E, G, B, D, A.

Acoustic & Digital Analysis

Digital footprint of the Cmaj13 chord for MIDI programming and synthesizer sound design.

MIDI Numbers 60, 64, 67, 71, 62, 69

Frequencies (Hz)

261.6255653005986, 329.6275569128699, 391.99543598174927, 493.8833012561241, 293.6647679174076, 440