How to play C Dominant 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: x30355
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 3.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 3.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 5.
- Press the 1st string (e) at fret 5.
- Let the 4th string ring open.
- Don't play the 6th string.
Shape 2: 858555 (from fret 5)
- Lay your index finger flat across the 1st to 5th strings at fret 5 (a barre).
- Press the 6th string (E) at fret 8.
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 8.
Shape 3: 8(10)89(10)8 (from fret 8)
- Lay your index finger flat across the 1st to 6th strings at fret 8 (a barre).
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 10.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 9.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 10.
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 C Dominant 13th
| Note | Role |
|---|---|
| C | 1 (root) |
| E | 3 |
| G | 5 |
| B♭ | ♭7 |
| D | 9 |
| A | 13 |
The formula for C Dominant 13th (thirteenth chord) is 1 3 5 ♭7 9 13: take the root, then the scale degrees listed.
When to use C13
Dominant 13th chords are big and swinging, a favourite final chord in jazz and blues. Guitarists usually play only the root, third, seventh and thirteenth.
Other C chords
C, Cm, C7, Cmaj7, Cm7, Csus2, Csus4, C°, C+, Cadd9, C6, Cø7
Other dominant 13th chords on guitar
D♭13, D13, E♭13, E13, F13, F♯13, G13, A♭13, A13, B♭13, B13
Frequently asked questions
How do you play C Dominant 13th on guitar?
The easiest C13 shape on guitar is x30355 (Press the 5th string (A) at fret 3. Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 3. Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 5. Press the 1st string (e) at fret 5. Let the 4th string ring open. Don't play the 6th string.)
What notes are in C Dominant 13th?
C Dominant 13th (C13) contains the notes C E G B♭ D A. The formula is 1 3 5 ♭7 9 13.
How many guitar shapes are there for C13?
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.
check its notes in the chord finder, or transpose a whole song with the chord transposer. Browse the full guitar chord library.