Dbmaj13: guitar chord voicings, inversions, scales and arpeggios

Dbmaj13 (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

Ebm9 – Ab13 – Dbmaj13
Dbmaj13 at the end
Gbmaj9 – Dbmaj13

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 Dbmaj13

Other chord qualities on the Db root

Compare this chord with other qualities sharing the same root.