B Major 13th is a ninth arpeggio from the bright, stable major family. Complete, beautiful — the full major extension. The Major 13th arpeggio contains 6 notes: B, D#, F#, A#, C#, G#. With a formula of 1-3-5-7-9-13, it extends beyond the 7th for maximum harmonic color. This advanced arpeggio opens up sophisticated harmonic possibilities.
The B Major 13th arpeggio is constructed using the interval formula 1-3-5-7-9-13, which means it contains the intervals Root (1), Major Third (3), Perfect Fifth (5), Major Seventh (7), Major Ninth (9), Major Thirteenth (13) above the root B. The notes are B, D#, F#, A#, C#, G#. An arpeggio differs from a scale in that it uses only the chord tones — the notes of the underlying chord played sequentially rather than simultaneously. The major arpeggio uses the root, major third, and perfect fifth — the same notes as the major triad. Key characteristics: Jazz Ballads, Contemporary.
B Major 13th sounds bright, stable, and consonant. The major third (D#) gives it its characteristic happy quality, while the perfect fifth (F#) provides harmonic stability. The additional notes (A#, C#, G#) add richness and color. The emotional feeling is one of brightness, resolution, and arrival. This arpeggio is the building block of Western harmony and appears in virtually every genre.
B Major 13th works best in Jazz Ballads, Contemporary music. Use it to outline major chord progressions with clean, consonant lines. It works beautifully as a melodic foundation for I-IV-V and I-V-vi-IV progressions.
Compatible scales for soloing:
1. Major Scale
2. Lydian
Related arpeggios:
- Major 9th
- Major 6/9
Practice Routine for B Major 13th:
5 minutes: Play each note of the B Major 13th arpeggio slowly, one at a time. Listen carefully to how each note relates to the root. Ascending and descending through the arpeggio. Focus on clean, even tone.
10 minutes: Practice the arpeggio with a metronome at 60 BPM. Play one note per beat ascending, then descending. Gradually increase to eighth notes and sixteenth notes. Focus on timing precision and smooth string transitions.
20 minutes: Apply the arpeggio over a backing track in B. Improvise melodies using only the Major 13th arpeggio notes, connecting them with scale passages. Experiment with different rhythmic patterns, slides, and vibrato.
30 minutes: Learn the arpeggio in multiple positions across the fretboard. Connect different positions with smooth transitions. Practice the arpeggio over a chord progression. Record yourself and analyze your phrasing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Playing too fast before understanding the arpeggio's sound
- Not connecting the arpeggio notes smoothly (arpeggios should flow)
- Ignoring the arpeggio's relationship to the underlying chord
- Skipping the descending practice — descending arpeggios are equally important
Advanced Tips: Explore inversions and different voicings. Practice with odd time signatures. Use the arpeggio over non-standard chord progressions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the B Major 13th arpeggio?
B Major 13th is a ninth arpeggio consisting of 6 notes: B, D#, F#, A#, C#, G#. The formula is 1-3-5-7-9-13. Complete, beautiful — the full major extension.
What notes are in the B Major 13th arpeggio?
The B Major 13th arpeggio contains the notes B, D#, F#, A#, C#, G#. These correspond to the formula 1-3-5-7-9-13, which represents the intervals Root (1), Major Third (3), Perfect Fifth (5), Major Seventh (7), Major Ninth (9), Major Thirteenth (13) above the root B.
What is the formula for the B Major 13th arpeggio?
The formula for the B Major 13th arpeggio is 1-3-5-7-9-13. This means it uses the Root (1), Major Third (3), Perfect Fifth (5), Major Seventh (7), Major Ninth (9), Major Thirteenth (13) intervals from the root note B.
How do you play the B Major 13th arpeggio on guitar?
To play the B Major 13th arpeggio on guitar, start at the root note B and follow the fretboard pattern. Each note corresponds to a specific fret. Use the interactive fretboard diagram above to see all positions and fingerings.
What is the B Major 13th arpeggio used for?
B Major 13th is commonly used in Jazz Ballads, Contemporary music. It works well for outlining major chord progressions with clean, consonant lines.
What scales work with the B Major 13th arpeggio?
Scales that work well with the B Major 13th arpeggio include Major Scale, Lydian. The arpeggio notes are the chord tones, so any scale containing these notes will work.
What's the difference between an arpeggio and a chord?
An arpeggio plays the notes of a chord one at a time (sequentially), while a chord plays all notes simultaneously. The B Major 13th arpeggio uses the same notes as the B Major 13th chord, but played as a melody rather than strummed.