Instrument-Specific Tips for Playing Thirteenth Chords on Guitar

by

Mastering thirteenth chords on the guitar can add a rich, jazzy flavor to your playing. These chords, which include the 13th note of the scale, are complex but highly expressive. Here are some instrument-specific tips to help you play thirteenth chords more effectively on the guitar.

Understanding the Thirteenth Chord

A thirteenth chord is a dominant or major chord extended to include the 13th note, which is the sixth note of the scale, an octave above the sixth. It combines the root, third, fifth, seventh, ninth, eleventh, and thirteenth. Due to its complexity, guitarists often omit some notes or use simplified voicings.

Guitar-Specific Tips for Playing Thirteenth Chords

  • Focus on Voicings: Use voicings that emphasize the 13th and essential chord tones. Common shapes include the root-5th-7th-13th combinations.
  • Omit Certain Notes: To make chords playable, omit the 11th or 9th if it complicates the shape, especially in higher positions.
  • Use Barre Chords: Barre chords allow you to move shapes up and down the neck to access different roots and voicings.
  • Experiment with Open and Closed Voicings: Open voicings can add resonance, while closed voicings are more compact and easier to play in certain contexts.
  • Leverage the Neck: Higher positions often simplify fingerings for complex chords. Explore shapes around the 7th to 12th frets.
  • Incorporate Hybrid Picking: Use a combination of pick and fingers to articulate chord tones clearly, especially in complex voicings.
  • Practice Slow and Steady: Break down the chord into manageable parts and practice slowly to develop muscle memory.

Common Thirteenth Chord Shapes for Guitar

Here are some basic shapes to get started with:

  • Shape 1: Barre across the 5th fret with the index finger, middle finger on the 6th string 6th fret, ring finger on the 4th string 7th fret, pinky on the 3rd string 7th fret.
  • Shape 2: Open position with the root on the 3rd fret of the 6th string, and the chord tones arranged on higher strings.
  • Shape 3: Moveable shape rooted on the 7th fret using a barre and fingerings that include the 13th interval.

Additional Tips for Effective Playing

Practice these tips regularly to incorporate thirteenth chords smoothly into your playing. Listen to jazz and blues recordings to hear how professional guitarists use these chords expressively. Experiment with different voicings and positions to find what sounds best for your style.

Remember, patience and consistent practice are key. With time, playing complex chords like the thirteenth will become a natural part of your guitar vocabulary, enriching your musical expression.