Cmaj13: guitar chord voicings, inversions, scales and arpeggios

Cmaj13 (maj13) is an interactive GuitarArcanum page with chord formula, intervals, voicings, inversions, triads, pentatonic patterns, scales and arpeggios on the fretboard.

Chord formula

Interval formula: 1 3 5 7 9 11 13. A major chord with the 13th — the fullest, lushest major sound. The 11th is dropped or taken as a #11.

Chord tones

The major 7th, 9th and 13th give a rich upper structure. The natural 11th is dropped (it clashes with the 3rd), often replaced by a #11.

Sound character

Lush, open and tonic — the sound of gospel, soul and orchestral major.

Harmonic function

A tonic or tonic color. It pulls nowhere and sounds finished.

Typical progressions

Dm9 – G13 – Cmaj13
Cmaj13 at the end
Fmaj9 – Cmaj13

Guitar voicing advice

Root on the 6th string with 7, 9 and 13 on top; drop the 5th and 11th. For a Lydian color add #11 instead of the natural 11th.

Compatible scales for Cmaj13

Other chord qualities on the C root

Compare this chord with other qualities sharing the same root.