C13 Ukulele Chord
C13 on ukulele is 3-0-0-0: put your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the g string and leave the C, E and A strings open. It is a one-finger shape, about as easy as they come.
- Notes: C, E, G, Bb, D, F and A
- Frets: 3 0 0 0
- Tuning: g C E A
C13 ukulele chord details
- Type
- Dominant 13th
- Also known as
- C thirteenth
- Formula
- 1 3 5 b7 9 11 13
- Intervals
- C (root), E (major 3rd), G (perfect 5th), Bb (minor 7th), D (major 9th), F (perfect 11th), A (major 13th)
- Notes
- C, E, G, Bb, D, F and A
- Frets
- 3 0 0 0
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Tuning
- Standard (g C E A)
How to play the C13 chord
Here is the C13 chord step by step:
- Put your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the g string.
- Leave the C, E and A strings open.
- Strum all four strings.
If you have just picked up a ukulele this is a perfect early chord to learn. Most people get it on the first try. New to these grids? Have a look at how to read a ukulele chord diagram.
Is there an easier way to play C13?
No, 3-0-0-0 is already the easiest way to play C13: one finger and the other strings open.
What notes are in the C13 chord?
The C13 chord is built from seven notes: C, E, G, Bb, D, F and A (the root, major 3rd, perfect 5th, minor 7th, major 9th, perfect 11th and major 13th). That flat seventh makes a dominant 7th restless. It leans forward and wants to resolve to the next chord, which is why it turns up all over blues and folk. New to these? Have a read about seventh chords.
Ukulele songs that use the C13 chord
Want to go further?
Once C13 feels comfortable, its close relatives are worth exploring: try C7, Cmaj7, Cm and C. C13 pairs most often with G, Am and F, so the few basic chords next to it go a long way. Then put it into a strumming pattern. When you are ready, try some easy ukulele songs.