How to play A Major 13th on guitar
These shapes are for standard tuning (E A D G B E). The first is the easiest, and the others sit in different positions on the neck. Playing in another tuning? Pick it above the diagrams and the shapes are redrawn for it.
Shape 1: x04120
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 4.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 1.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 2.
- Let the 5th, 1st strings ring open.
- Don't play the 6th string.
Shape 2: 544454 (from fret 4)
- Lay your index finger flat across the 1st to 5th strings at fret 4 (a barre).
- Press the 6th string (E) at fret 5.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 5.
Shape 3: xx7674 (from fret 4)
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 7.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 6.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 7.
- Press the 1st string (e) at fret 4.
- Don't play the 6th, 5th strings.
The numbers in the shape name list the fret for each string from the lowest (thickest) to the highest, with x meaning that string is not played and 0 meaning it rings open.
Notes in A Major 13th
| Note | Role |
|---|---|
| A | 1 (root) |
| C♯ | 3 |
| E | 5 |
| G♯ | 7 |
| B | 9 |
| F♯ | 13 |
The formula for A Major 13th (major thirteenth) is 1 3 5 7 9 13: take the root, then the scale degrees listed.
When to use Amaj13
Major 13th chords are wide and lush, used for ballad endings and jazz tonic chords. The thirteenth is the same note as the sixth, added above the seventh.
Other A chords
A, Am, A7, Amaj7, Am7, Asus2, Asus4, A°, A+, Aadd9, A6, Aø7
Other major 13th chords on guitar
Cmaj13, D♭maj13, Dmaj13, E♭maj13, Emaj13, Fmaj13, F♯maj13, Gmaj13, A♭maj13, B♭maj13, Bmaj13
Frequently asked questions
How do you play A Major 13th on guitar?
The easiest Amaj13 shape on guitar is x04120 (Press the 4th string (D) at fret 4. Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 1. Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 2. Let the 5th, 1st strings ring open. Don't play the 6th string.)
What notes are in A Major 13th?
A Major 13th (Amaj13) contains the notes A C♯ E G♯ B F♯. The formula is 1 3 5 7 9 13.
How many guitar shapes are there for Amaj13?
There are many. This page shows 3 common ones at different positions, easiest first. Moving a barre shape up the neck gives the same chord type on other roots.
See A Major 13th on ukulele, check its notes in the chord finder, or transpose a whole song with the chord transposer. Browse the full guitar chord library.