How to play the A13 chord on guitar

The A13 chord, pronounced "A dominant thirteenth," is a sophisticated and jazzy variation of the A dominant seventh chord. It's constructed by adding the 13th note (sixth scale degree) to the A7 chord tones. The A13 brings a lush, complex sound that's frequently used in jazz, funk, and R&B music to create smooth transitions between chords and add harmonic interest.

The A13 chord is typically played as a barre chord on the 5th fret of the guitar.

Follow these finger positions to play an A13 chord on your guitar:

1. Barre your index finger across all six strings on the 5th fret.
2. Place your middle finger on the 6th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 7th fret of the 5th (A) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 7th fret of the 4th (D) string.

To strum this chord, start from the 5th (A) string and strum downwards, making sure to include all the strings in the chord.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the A13 chord, try playing an A7 chord instead. Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 3rd (G) string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th (D) string, and strum only the top five strings.

The A13 chord is typically played as an open chord, so there is not a commonly used barre chord version. The standard open A13 chord uses the following fingering:

1. Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 4th (D) string
2. Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 2nd (B) string
3. Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the 1st (high E) string
4. Strum all six strings

The A13 chord, a dominant 13th, brings a jazzy and sophisticated flavor to progressions, often used to add tension and resolution. These progressions can evoke a range of emotions from yearning and nostalgia to hope and triumph.

• I - IV - I - V13 (A - D - A - E13) - Used in "Fly Me to the Moon" and "The Way You Look Tonight"
• ii - V13 - I (Bm7 - E13 - Amaj7) - Used in "Girl from Ipanema" and "Misty"
• I - vi - ii - V13 (A - F#m - Bm7 - E13) - Used in "Satin Doll" and "Autumn Leaves"
• I - vi - ii - V7/V - V13 - I (A - F#m - Bm7 - B7 - E13 - A) - Used in "My Funny Valentine"
• I - VI7 - ii7 - V13 (A - F#7 - Bm7 - E13) - Used in "Take the 'A' Train"

To master the A13 chord, try playing each note individually, focusing on clean execution. Once comfortable, practice transitioning between the notes in various patterns, such as ascending or descending order. Aim for smooth, fluid movements between each note.

Another effective drill is to play the chord tones (A, C#, and E) together, followed by the extensions (G, B, and F#). This helps your fingers memorize the shape and voicing of the A13 chord. Gradually increase your speed as you become more proficient, maintaining accuracy and clarity.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the A13 chord:

1. Creep by Radiohead (G, B, C, Cm)
2. Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton (A, E, Dm, C, G)
3. Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley (C, Am, F, G, E)
4. Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin (Am, C, D, F, G)
5. Under the Bridge by Red Hot Chili Peppers (E, D, A, Bm, F#m, C#m, G#m)
6. Free Fallin' by Tom Petty (F, C, G, D, A)
7. Wonderwall by Oasis (Em, G, D, A)
8. Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (Em, G, A, Am, C, D)
9. Blackbird by The Beatles (G, A, B7, C, Am, D)
10. Knockin' on Heaven's Door by Bob Dylan (G, D, Am, C)