How to play the B13 chord on guitar

The B13 chord, pronounced "B dominant thirteenth," is a complex and colorful guitar chord. It adds the 7th and 13th notes to the standard B major triad, creating a rich, jazzy sound. This chord is often used in blues, jazz, and funk music to add tension and sophistication. Notable songs featuring the B13 chord include "The Thrill Is Gone" by B.B. King.

The B13 chord is typically played as a barre chord on the 7th fret of the guitar.

Follow these finger positions to play a B13 chord on your guitar:

1. Barre your index finger across all six strings at the 7th fret.
2. Place your middle finger on the 8th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 9th fret of the 5th (A) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 9th fret of the 4th (D) string.

Strum all six strings together to play the B13 chord. Make sure to apply enough pressure with your index finger to properly barre all the strings at the 7th fret.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the B13 chord, try playing the basic B major chord without the barre. Place your index finger on the 7th fret of the low E string, middle finger on the 8th fret of the B string, and ring finger on the 9th fret of the D string.

Playing the B13 chord as a barre chord can be a great option when you need a fuller, more resonant sound compared to the standard open chord version.

Here's how to play a B13 barre chord:

1. Place your index finger across all six strings at the 7th fret, creating a barre.
2. Place your ring finger on the 9th fret of the 5th (A) string.
3. Place your pinky finger on the 9th fret of the 4th (D) string.
4. Place your middle finger on the 8th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
5. Strum all six strings from low to high.

The B13 chord adds a jazzy, sophisticated flavor to progressions, often providing a sense of tension and resolution. Here are some common chord progressions featuring the B13 chord:

• ii-V-I-VI: Bm7-E13-Amaj7-F#m7 (Used in "Girl from Ipanema" and "Fly Me to the Moon")
• I-vi-ii-V: B13-G#m7-C#m7-F#7 (Used in "Autumn Leaves" and "All the Things You Are")
• iii-VI-ii-V: D#m7-G#13-C#m7-F#7
• I-IV-iii-VI: B13-Emaj7-D#m7-G#m7

To master the B13 chord, try playing each note individually, focusing on clarity and tone. Once comfortable, play the notes in pairs, such as B and D#, then F# and A, and so on. Experiment with different combinations to develop finger strength and dexterity.

Another helpful drill is to play the chord as an arpeggio, plucking each note one at a time in ascending or descending order. This exercise helps you memorize the notes and transitions between them, making it easier to play the full chord smoothly.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the B13 chord.

1. I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston (A, Bm7, E, B13, E/G#)
2. Just the Way You Are by Billy Joel (D, Bm7, GM7, D/F#, Em7, A7sus4, Dmaj7, F#m7, B13)
3. My Cherie Amour by Stevie Wonder (CM7, C6, Dm7, G13, Em7, A7, Dm7, G7, CM7, Am7, D7, GM7, F#m7, B13)
4. Misty by Ella Fitzgerald (Ebm7, Bb13, Ebm7, Bb13, Fm7, Bb13, Ebm7, Cm7, F7, Fm7, Bb13, Ebm7, Bb13, Eb6)
5. Fly Me to the Moon by Frank Sinatra (Am7, Dm7, G7, CM7, FM7, Bm7(b5), E7, Am7, Dm7, G7, Em7, A7, Dm7, G7, CM7, E7#5, Am7, F#m7, B13)
6. Hello by Lionel Richie (CM7, Em7, B13, Dm7, FM7, Em7, A7, Dm7, G7, CM7)
7. If I Ain't Got You by Alicia Keys (FM7, E13, DM7, E13, FM7, Bb13, FM7, E13, DM7, C#m7, B13, C#m7, B13)
8. This Masquerade by George Benson (AM7, Bm7, E13, C#m7, F#13, Bm7, E13)
9. After the Love Has Gone by Earth, Wind & Fire (Fm7, Bb13, Eb6/G, Cm7, F13, Bb6/D, G13, Cm7, F13)
10. You Are the Sunshine of My Life by Stevie Wonder (CM7, Dm7, Em7, Fmaj7, CM7, Am7, Dm7, G13, CM7, Am7, Dm7, Em7, Fmaj7, Em7, A7, Dm7, G13, CM7)