11th and 13th Chord Progressions

In this lesson, we will learn about 11th and 13th chords. In previous lessons, you studied triads, four-note, and five-note chords (triads, seventh chords, and ninth chords). Here, we will explore six- and seven-note chords, known as 11th and 13th chords.

Number of Keys & Chord Types

Major 11th & Major 13th Chords (Maj11 & Maj13)

As learned earlier, when a chord extends beyond the octave (VIII), any added notes above the octave are labeled with numbers greater than 8.

• Major 11th (Maj11) = Major 9th chord + 11th note.

• Example in C: C Maj11 = C (I) + E (III) + G (V) + B (VII) + D (IX) + F (XI).
• Major 13th (Maj13) = Major 11th chord + 13th note.

• Example in C: C Maj13 = C + E + G + B + D + F + A (XIII).

Note: These chords often require two hands. Alternatively, omit the 3rd or 5th to simplify. Experiment with voicing!

Reminder:

• Maj9 includes the major 7th.
• Maj11 includes the major 9th.
• Maj13 includes the major 11th.

Minor 11th & Minor 13th Chords (min11 & min13)

• Minor 11th (min11) = Minor 9th + 11th note.
  • Formula:

i min + ♭VII Maj = min11.

• Example in C: Cmin11 = Cm (C + E♭ + G) + B♭Maj (B♭ + D + F).
• Minor 13th (min13) = Minor 11th + 13th note.
  • Formula:

i min7 + ii min = min13.

• Example in C: Cmin13 = Cm7 (C + E♭ + G + B♭) + Dm (D + F + A).

Note: 11th and 13th chords are polychords (two chords played simultaneously).

Dominant 11th & 13th Chords (Dom11 & Dom13)

• Dominant 11th (Dom11) = Dominant 7th + 11th note.
  • Formula:

I Maj + ♭VII Maj = Dom11.

• Example in C: C11 = C Maj (C + E + G) + B♭Maj (B♭ + D + F).
• Dominant 13th (Dom13) = Dominant 9th + 13th note.
  • Formula:

I Dom7 + ii min = Dom13.

• Example in C: C13 = C7 (C + E + G + B♭) + Dm (D + F + A).

Tip: Simplify Dom13 to 3 essential notes: 7th, 3rd, 13th (or 6th). Use third inversion (7th as the bass) for gospel/blues voicing.

Using 13th Chords in Blues Progressions

Replace seventh chords with 13th chords and add a walking bass. Example:

default:
  Piano.Chart: >
    C13, C13, C13, C13, F13, F13 , C13 , C13, G13 , F13 , C13 , C13  

Walking Bass Example:

• For C13 (bars 1-4):
  Left hand: C → E → G → A → B♭ → A → G → E → C → E → G → A → B♭ → A → G → E
• For F13 (bars 5-6):
  Left hand: F → A → C → D → E♭ → D → C → A → F

Note: Arpeggiate chords using 1 → 3 → 5 → 6 (13th) → ♭7 patterns, common in blues.

Block Chords vs. Broken Chords vs. Arpeggios

• Block Chord: Notes played simultaneously (e.g., C E G B♭).
• Broken Chord: Notes played sequentially but not strictly in order (e.g., C → E → G → B♭ → G → E → C).
• Arpeggio: Notes played in ascending/descending order (e.g., C → E → G → B♭ → D → F → A).

Final Tip: Practice these 12 chords thoroughly—they’re essential for jazz, gospel, and blues. Dom13 chords work as secondary dominants, pre-dominants, or substitutes in iii → vi → ii → V → I progressions. Master them, and your playing will soar! 🎹