Arpeggio quality

maj13

The major thirteenth is the fullest major sound in the dictionary: a major seventh, a ninth and a thirteenth stacked over the triad. The thirteenth is the sixth degree an octave up, so the chord keeps the sweetness of a six chord while the seventh and ninth give it depth and motion. It is a staple of big-band endings and solo-piano arrangements, where the top note often carries the melody. The one note to handle with care is the eleventh, which clashes with the major third; this quality leaves it out, and so should most voicings. Listen for the thirteenth crowning the stack like a horn line.