A Dominant 13th Guitar Chord (A13)
A Dominant 13th (A13) is built from A, C#, E, G, B, F#, which is the 1P - 3M - 5P - 7m - 9M - 13M formula measured from the root A. This page shows 3 fingerings with fretboard diagrams.
Fingerings for A13
Notes in A13
- A1P
- C#3M
- E5P
- G7m
- B9M
- F#13M
How to play A13
A Dominant 13th Guitar Chord (A13) is tense and unresolved, which is what makes it want to move.
Beginner tip
Mute the strings you do not play — a dominant seventh with a ringing open string loses its pull.
Practice idea
Resolve it down a fifth to the tonic and listen for the tension release.
A13 FAQ
- What notes are in A Dominant 13th?
- A Dominant 13th (A13) contains A, C#, E, G, B, F#. In interval terms that is 1P - 3M - 5P - 7m - 9M - 13M above the root A.
- How do you play A13 on guitar?
- The most common shape here is "A13": low E muted, A muted, G at fret 2, B at fret 3.
- Is A13 hard for beginners?
- It sits in the seventh family. Mute the strings you do not play — a dominant seventh with a ringing open string loses its pull.