C13 guitar chord (C Dominant 13th)

Symbols: 13

Steps: 1-3-5-b7-9-13

Notes: C-E-G-Bb-D-A

The C 13 chord further extends the dominant seventh with the addition of the 13th interval, offering a sophisticated and wide-ranging sound. With notes C, E, G, Bb, D and A, this chord is often used in jazz and swing to add richness to harmonies. Below, you'll find four variations how to play the "C 13" chord, each featuring finger placements and an audio sample.

Variation 1

Stretch out your pinky to the 5th fret of the E (1st) string and press down
Place a barre using your ring finger on the 3rd fret from the 2nd to the 3rd strings
With your index finger, press down on the D (4th) string at the 2nd fret
Position your middle finger on the A (5th) string at the 3rd fret and press down
Now, strum all the strings starting from the 5th string

Variation 2

Barre the 5th fret with your index finger, extending over the 1st to the 2nd strings
Use your middle finger to press the G (3rd) string down on the 7th fret
Stretch out your pinky to the 8th fret of the D (4th) string and press down
Stretch out your ring finger to the 8th fret of the low E (6th) string and press down
Now, strum all the strings, mute the 5th string

Variation 3

Press down on the B (2nd) string at the 10th fret using your pinky
Position your ring finger on the G (3rd) string at the 9th fret and press down
With your middle finger, press down on the D (4th) string at the 8th fret
Press the low E (6th) string on the 8th fret with your index finger
Now, strum all the strings up to the 2nd string, mute the 5th string

Variation 4

Apply a barre with your index finger across the 8th fret, covering the 1st to the 4th strings
Use your ring finger to press the B (2nd) string down on the 10th fret
Press down on the G (3rd) string at the 9th fret using your middle finger
Now, strum all the strings starting from the 4th string

Other C Chords