How to play E 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: 044444
- Lay your index finger flat across the 1st to 5th strings at fret 4 (a barre).
- Let the 6th string ring open.
Shape 2: 021120
- Lay your index finger flat across the 3rd to 4th strings at fret 1 (a barre).
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 2.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 2.
- Let the 6th, 1st strings ring open.
Shape 3: x74644 (from fret 4)
- Lay your index finger flat across the 1st to 4th strings at fret 4 (a barre).
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 7.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 6.
- Don't play the 6th string.
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 E Major 13th
| Note | Role |
|---|---|
| E | 1 (root) |
| G♯ | 3 |
| B | 5 |
| D♯ | 7 |
| F♯ | 9 |
| C♯ | 13 |
The formula for E Major 13th (major thirteenth) is 1 3 5 7 9 13: take the root, then the scale degrees listed.
When to use Emaj13
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 E chords
E, Em, E7, Emaj7, Em7, Esus2, Esus4, E°, E+, Eadd9, E6, Eø7
Other major 13th chords on guitar
Cmaj13, D♭maj13, Dmaj13, E♭maj13, Fmaj13, F♯maj13, Gmaj13, A♭maj13, Amaj13, B♭maj13, Bmaj13
Frequently asked questions
How do you play E Major 13th on guitar?
The easiest Emaj13 shape on guitar is 044444 (Lay your index finger flat across the 1st to 5th strings at fret 4 (a barre). Let the 6th string ring open.)
What notes are in E Major 13th?
E Major 13th (Emaj13) contains the notes E G♯ B D♯ F♯ C♯. The formula is 1 3 5 7 9 13.
How many guitar shapes are there for Emaj13?
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 E 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.