Easy Ways To Play The B7(b13) Guitar Chord
Welcome to our comprehensive tutorial on the B 7(b13) chord. This chord is a member of the Dominant Chords family, known for its distinctive sound and frequent use in various music genres. The B 7(b13) chord is composed of the notes B, D#, F#, A, and G, and is built from the intervals 1, 3, 5, b7, and b13.
The complete names of these music intervals are: Root, Major Third, Perfect Fifth, Minor Seventh, and Minor Thirteenth. Understanding these intervals is crucial to mastering the B 7(b13) chord, and you can learn more about them in our in-depth tutorial about fretboard intervals.
The B 7(b13) chord, like other dominant chords, has a unique sound and is often used in various music genres. For a full understanding of these types of chords, check out our tutorial about dominant (7) guitar chords.
Our tutorial will guide you step by step on how to play the B 7(b13) chord, with detailed chord diagrams and fretboard patterns that show the tones composing the chord. This will help you visualize the structure of the chord on your guitar's fretboard. If you're interested in learning how to build chords by stacking intervals, our guitar music theory tutorial is a great resource.
Understanding the B 7(b13) chord and its place within the broader context of music theory can open up new possibilities for your guitar playing. Whether you're a beginner looking to expand your chord vocabulary or an intermediate player seeking to delve into more advanced territory, this tutorial will provide valuable insights and techniques.
We hope this introduction to the B 7(b13) chord has piqued your interest and we invite you to dive into the full tutorial about guitar chords of all types to further your knowledge and skills. Happy playing!
Notes of the B 7(b13) chord:
How the Dominant Seventh Flat Thirteen Added chord is built:
B Dominant Seventh Flat Thirteen Added Guitar Chord Shapes
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What does the 'b13' in the B7b13 chord name represent?
The 'b13' refers to the Minor Thirteenth interval. For the B7b13 chord, this specifically means the G note, which is a minor thirteenth above the root note B. This interval adds a unique flavor and extension to the dominant 7th chord structure.
Why is the B7b13 chord classified as a dominant chord?
The B7b13 chord is considered a dominant chord because its fundamental structure includes the root (1), major third (3), and minor seventh (b7) intervals, which are the defining characteristics of a dominant 7th chord. The b13 is an additional extension that builds upon this core dominant sound.
How does the b13 interval contribute to the distinctive sound of the B7b13 chord?
The b13 (Minor Thirteenth) interval, the G note in this case, introduces a specific tension and color to the B7b13 chord that enriches its harmonic quality beyond a standard dominant 7th. This unique extension provides the 'distinctive sound' mentioned, often used to create a more sophisticated or jazz-influenced harmony.
How does understanding the intervals help in playing the B7b13 chord on the guitar?
Understanding the specific intervals (Root, Major Third, Perfect Fifth, Minor Seventh, and Minor Thirteenth) helps you visualize and logically construct the B7b13 chord on the fretboard. Instead of just memorizing a shape, knowing where each interval (and thus each note like B, D#, F#, A, G) lies allows you to understand the chord's structure and adapt it to different positions or voicings across the guitar neck.