Dominant 13 without fifth; clearer voicing focus on function and color tones.
Intervals from the root that spell this chord and its chord tones.
Scales that contain this chord’s notes and usually fit over it.
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The 13(no5) dominant chord removes the fifth to improve clarity while keeping dominant identity and upper color. In practical harmony, this is often not a compromise but a preferred voicing strategy. By omitting 5, the chord breathes more and leaves space for 9/13 color work.
Core model: 1-3-♭7-9-13 (without 5). In C: C-E-B♭-D-A plus optional supporting tones. The essential functional anchors remain 3 and ♭7.
Use this in comping and arranging where clarity is more important than complete chord spelling. It is common in jazz piano/guitar voicings, horn section pads, and modern pop/jazz harmony with active bass movement.
Prioritize smooth movement of 3 and ♭7, and place 13 in a clear upper position. If the voicing still feels crowded, reduce additional tones before reintroducing 5.
Shell-based voicings (3, ♭7, 9, 13) are often the default professional choice. With bass present, root may also be omitted for even greater transparency.
| Interval | semitones | Note | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | F♯ | |||
| 4 | A♯ | |||
| 10 | E | |||
| 14 | G♯ | |||
| 21 | D♯ |