Chord Shapes

Dominant 13th Suspended 4th

Typical intervals: 1-4-5-b7-9-13, usually omitting the 5th. Essentially a 9sus4 chord enriched with a 13, this is a classic gospel and soul sonority frequently heard on IV and V chords. Because the 3rd is absent, it behaves more like a IVmaj9(6) over a dominant bass than a strict V that must resolve. It is extremely effective in slow ballads and contemporary worship/neo-soul harmonies where the suspended 4th and 13 create a lush cluster over the root. Often it precedes a more grounded V13 or I6/9 chord, acting as a “pre-resolution” cushion.