How to play the Gmaj13 chord on guitar

The Gmaj13 chord, pronounced "G major thirteenth," is a rich and complex guitar chord that adds a jazzy, sophisticated flavor to progressions. Notable for its inclusion of the 7th and 13th notes of the scale, this chord is often used in jazz, funk, and R&B music to create a lush, expansive harmony. Its unique voicing can add an interesting twist to more traditional chord sequences.

The most common way to play the Gmaj13 chord on guitar is as a barre chord on the 3rd fret.

Follow these finger positions to play a Gmaj13 chord on your guitar:

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

Strum all six strings together to play the Gmaj13 chord. Make sure to apply enough pressure with your index finger to properly fret all the strings in the barre chord.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the Gmaj13 chord, try playing a regular G major chord and adding your pinky finger on the 3rd fret of the 1st (high E) string. This adds the 13th note to the chord without requiring a barre chord shape.

The Gmaj13 chord is typically played as an open chord, but playing it as a barre chord can be useful for quickly changing to other chords or playing the chord shape further up the neck.

Here's how to play a Gmaj13 barre chord:

1. Place your index finger across the 3rd fret, barring all six strings.
2. Place your middle finger on the 4th fret of the 4th (D) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 5th fret of the 5th (A) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 5th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
5. Strum all six strings from the low E string.

The Gmaj13 chord adds a dreamy and jazzy flavor to progressions, creating a sophisticated and nostalgic emotional atmosphere. Some common chord progressions featuring Gmaj13 include:

• I - vi - ii - V7 (Gmaj13 - Em7 - Am7 - D7) Used in "The Girl from Ipanema" and "Fly Me to the Moon"
• ii - V7 - I - vi (Am7 - D7 - Gmaj13 - Em7) Used in "Autumn Leaves" and "My Funny Valentine"
• I - vi - IV - V7 (Gmaj13 - Em7 - Cmaj7 - D7) Used in "Misty" and "The Way You Look Tonight"
• iii - vi - ii - V7 (Bm7 - Em7 - Am7 - D7) Used in "Take the 'A' Train" and "Satin Doll"
• I - iii - vi - ii (Gmaj13 - Bm7 - Em7 - Am7) Used in "Body and Soul" and "Stella by Starlight"

To master the Gmaj13 chord, try playing the notes individually, focusing on each string's sound. Listen for the harmonious blend of G, B, D, F#, A, and E. Once comfortable, practice strumming the chord, letting the notes ring together.

Another helpful drill is to transition between Gmaj13 and similar chords like G7 or Gmaj7. This will train your fingers to switch positions smoothly and quickly. Incorporate these transitions into progressions or songs to make the practice more engaging and musical.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the Gmaj13 chord.

1. Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin (Am, C, D, Fmaj7, Gmaj13)
2. Hotel California by Eagles (Bm, D, Em, F#, G, Gmaj13)
3. Sultans of Swing by Dire Straits (Am, Bb, C, Dm, Gmaj13)
4. Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton (A7sus4, Am7, Gmaj13)
5. Yesterday by The Beatles (A7, Em, F, Gmaj13)
6. Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (C, D, Em, G, Gmaj13)
7. Moondance by Van Morrison (Am7, Bm7, Cmaj7, Gmaj13)
8. Wonderwall by Oasis (Cadd9, Em7, Gmaj13)
9. Dreams by Fleetwood Mac (Am7, Fmaj7, Gmaj13)
10. Blackbird by The Beatles (G, Gmaj13)