Thirteenth Chords

R, 3, 5, b7, 9, 11, 13: A fully extended 13th chord, refer back to Harmonizing Scales If you don't know what this means.

Now obviously a seven note chord is impossible to play on a six string guitar so we need to eliminate one or more.

Root - Easily removed, the bass player will cover this note, however it's often kept in for strength.

Third - Required.

Fifth - Easily Removed, the bass player will usually cover this note.

Flat Seventh - Required.

ninth - Easily removed, added for colour.

eleventh - Known as the "avoid note" because of the way it rubs against the major third, the #11 can be added for colour.

thirteenth - Can be eliminated, but you'd no longer be playing a thirteenth chord.

Now remember a 7 chord is: 1 3 5 b7

A 9 is: 1 3 5 b7 9

a #11 chord is: 1 3 5 b7 9 #11

All four of these chords interchange with each other. This information can be really useful in creating colourful comping and soloing.