D# Major Thirteenth Guitar Arpeggio
Guitar arpeggio — fretboard diagram
D# Major Thirteenth Arpeggio — Notes and Intervals
Notes: D#, G, A#, D, F, C
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 5P, 7M, 9M, 13M
Formula: 2W-WH-2W-WH-7
Number of notes: 6
Also known as: maj13, Maj13, ^13
The D# Major Thirteenth arpeggio contains 6 notes (D#, G, A#, D, F, C). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this arpeggio on Guitar with different tunings and fret ranges.
When to Use the D# Major Thirteenth Arpeggio
Play the D# Major Thirteenth arpeggio whenever a D# Major Thirteenth chord appears in a progression. Unlike scales (which include passing tones), arpeggios guarantee every note you play IS a chord tone, making your solo sound harmonically precise and intentional.
Arpeggio vs. Scale
The D# Major Thirteenth arpeggio uses 6 notes (D#, G, A#, D, F, C) while the full scale uses 7. The arpeggio is a subset — think of it as the skeleton of the scale. Practice alternating between the arpeggio and the full scale to develop a melodic vocabulary that mixes chord tones with passing tones.
How to Play D# Major Thirteenth Arpeggio on Guitar
Root your D# Major Thirteenth arpeggio at fret 11 on the 6th (low E), or alternatively at 6th fret on the A string. With 6 notes, this extended arpeggio covers a wide range. Break it into smaller two- or three-string groups and connect them gradually. Tapping can also help cover the extra reach needed.
The D# Major Thirteenth arpeggio outlines a D# major chord and works perfectly over D#, D#maj7, D#6 harmonies. It is a foundational arpeggio for soloing over major-key progressions and emphasizes the bright, resolved character of the major triad.
Practice Routine
Start by playing the D# Major Thirteenth arpeggio ascending and descending at 60 BPM, one note per beat, using a metronome. Once even and confident, play it in eighth notes, then triplets, keeping each note articulate. Spend at least 5 minutes daily on this before moving to musical application.
Guitar Tips
Try playing the D# Major Thirteenth arpeggio on guitar by superimposing it over the corresponding D# major barre chord shape. This visual connection between chord and arpeggio helps you find arpeggio tones instantly during improvisation.
Related Resources
Explore D# Major Thirteenth in Other Tunings
- D# Major Thirteenth in Drop D (E-B-G-D-A-D)
- D# Major Thirteenth in DADGAD (D-A-G-D-A-D)
- D# Major Thirteenth in Open G (D-B-G-D-G-D)
- D# Major Thirteenth in Baritone (B Standard) (B-F#-D-A-E-B)
- D# Major Thirteenth in 7-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B)
- D# Major Thirteenth in 8-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B-F#)
- D# Major Thirteenth in Drop C (D-A-F-C-G-C)
- D# Major Thirteenth in Drop B (C#-G#-E-B-F#-B)
- D# Major Thirteenth in Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)
- D# Major Thirteenth in Half Step Down (Eb-Bb-Gb-Db-Ab-Eb)
- D# Major Thirteenth in Open E (E-B-G#-E-B-E)
- D# Major Thirteenth in Open A (E-C#-A-E-A-E)
- D# Major Thirteenth in Double Drop D (D-B-G-D-A-D)
- D# Major Thirteenth in Open C (E-C-G-C-G-C)