Common Thirteenth Chord Progressions for Jazz Standards

Jazz music is renowned for its complex harmonies and rich chord progressions. Among these, the use of thirteenth chords adds a distinctive color and depth to jazz standards. Understanding common thirteenth chord progressions can enhance improvisation and composition skills for jazz musicians and enthusiasts alike.

What Are Thirteenth Chords?

Thirteenth chords are extended chords that include the root, third, fifth, seventh, ninth, eleventh, and thirteenth degrees of a scale. They are typically built on the dominant, major, or minor chords and are often used in jazz to create a lush, full sound. The thirteenth chord is considered one of the most colorful and harmonically rich chords in jazz harmony.

Common Thirteenth Chord Progressions

Jazz standards frequently feature progressions that incorporate thirteenth chords. These progressions often serve as the harmonic foundation for improvisation and melodic development. Below are some of the most common patterns used in jazz.

1. ii-V-I with Thirteenth Chords

The ii-V-I progression is the cornerstone of jazz harmony. When extended with thirteenth chords, it creates a smooth, sophisticated sound. For example:

• Dm¹³ – G¹³ – C^maj7
• or
• Am¹³ – D¹³ – G^maj7

In these progressions, the thirteenth chords function as dominant or subdominant chords, adding richness to the harmonic movement.

2. Turnarounds with Thirteenth Chords

Turnarounds often feature thirteenth chords to create tension and resolution. A common example is the I-vi-ii-V progression with thirteenth chords:

• C¹³ – A¹³ – Dm¹³ – G¹³

This progression provides a smooth harmonic cycle that is both familiar and colorful.

3. Modal Interchange with Thirteenth Chords

Jazz musicians often borrow chords from parallel modes to add variety. Thirteenth chords are frequently used in modal interchange to enrich progressions. For example:

• F¹³ (from F Lydian) moving to C¹³ (from C Mixolydian)

This technique creates colorful, unexpected harmonic shifts that keep the listener engaged.

Practical Tips for Using Thirteenth Chords

Incorporating thirteenth chords into your playing or composing involves understanding their structure and voice leading. Here are some tips:

• Practice voicing thirteenth chords in different inversions to achieve smooth transitions.
• Focus on voice leading to connect chords seamlessly, especially in fast progressions.
• Experiment with substituting standard dominant chords with thirteenth chords to add color.
• Use extensions sparingly to avoid overly dense voicings, especially in ensemble settings.

Mastering these progressions and techniques will deepen your understanding of jazz harmony and expand your improvisational vocabulary.

Conclusion

Thirteenth chords are a vital element in jazz harmony, adding complexity and richness to standard progressions. By practicing common patterns like ii-V-I, turnarounds, and modal interchange, musicians can create more expressive and sophisticated performances. Exploring these progressions opens new avenues for improvisation and composition in jazz.