I-IV-V foundation
This is the core major-key movement behind blues, rock, country, and pop progressions.
Guitar chord companion
C Major 13 Chord
Learn the C Major 13 chord on guitar with chord tones, intervals, and interactive fretboard shapes.
1C3E7B9D13A
Playable C Major 13 Chord voicings
Start with these chord-box shapes, then use the full fretboard below to see every chord tone.
C shape, open position
Low to high strings: x 3 0 2 0 0
A shape, fret 3
Low to high strings: x 3 7 x 5 7
G shape, fret 7
Low to high strings: 8 7 7 7 x 7
E shape, fret 8
Low to high strings: 8 x 9 9 10 x
D shape, fret 10
Low to high strings: x x 10 14 12 12
Full fretboard map
Every C Major 13 Chord chord tone across the neck, with roots highlighted for quick orientation.
Frets 0–24. Select a position or tap a note to hear it.
CAGED
Progression examples using C Major 13
Try these progressions to hear the harmony in context. On bass, outline each chord with individual target tones.
I-vi-IV-V loop
A familiar pop progression that balances a stable tonic with relative minor color.
Chord Tones
| Degree | Interval | Note | Default guitar voicing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Root | C | Included |
| 3 | M3 | E | Included |
| 5 | P5 | G | Usually omitted |
| 7 | M7 | B | Included |
| 9 | M9 | D | Included |
| 11 | P11 | F | Usually omitted |
| 13 | M13 | A | Included |
The table shows the complete theoretical chord. The default guitar voicing uses C, E, B, D, A; degrees 5, 11 are usually omitted. Chord-tone maps include every formula tone.
Scales Containing the Complete Formula
Complete Formula
1 – 3 – 5 – 7 – 9 – 11 – 13
Compound degrees retain their names: 9, 11, and 13 are extensions. A voicing may place their pitches in a closer register.