Chord Shapes

Minor 13th

Intervals (conceptual): 1-b3-5-b7-9-11-13, though most voicings use a subset such as b3-b7-9-11-13. This chord represents the fullest extension of the minor 7 family and is strongly associated with Dorian and melodic-minor tonality. Because of its density it is mostly used in slower tempos, arranged horn voicings and pianistic textures rather than fast comping. On ii chords it can emphasise the mode (for example Dm13 in C major or D Dorian), and on tonic minor chords it can supply a very rich, almost orchestral sound near emotional climaxes.