C Dominant 13th Guitar Chord (C13)
C Dominant 13th (C13) is built from C, E, G, Bb, D, A, which is the 1P - 3M - 5P - 7m - 9M - 13M formula measured from the root C. This page shows 2 fingerings with fretboard diagrams.
Fingerings for C13
Notes in C13
- C1P
- E3M
- G5P
- Bb7m
- D9M
- A13M
How to play C13
C Dominant 13th Guitar Chord (C13) 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.
C13 FAQ
- What notes are in C Dominant 13th?
- C Dominant 13th (C13) contains C, E, G, Bb, D, A. In interval terms that is 1P - 3M - 5P - 7m - 9M - 13M above the root C.
- How do you play C13 on guitar?
- The most common shape here is "C13": A at fret 3, G at fret 2, B at fret 3.
- Is C13 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.