E Dominant Thirteenth Guitar Arpeggio

E Dominant Thirteenth Arpeggio — Notes and Intervals

Notes: E, G#, B, D, F#, C#

Intervals: 1P, 3M, 5P, 7m, 9M, 13M

Formula: 2W-WH-WH-2W-7

Number of notes: 6

Also known as: 13

The E Dominant Thirteenth arpeggio contains 6 notes (E, G#, B, D, F#, C#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this arpeggio on Guitar with different tunings and fret ranges.

When to Use the E Dominant Thirteenth Arpeggio

Play the E Dominant Thirteenth arpeggio whenever a E Dominant 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 E Dominant Thirteenth arpeggio uses 6 notes (E, G#, B, 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 E Dominant Thirteenth Arpeggio on Guitar

Start the E Dominant Thirteenth arpeggio in open position, using the open E string as your root. 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 E Dominant Thirteenth arpeggio outlines a dominant seventh chord, creating the tension that wants to resolve. Use it over E7, E9, E13 chords, especially in blues, funk, and jazz where dominant harmony drives the groove.

Practice Routine

Start by playing the E Dominant 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 E Dominant Thirteenth arpeggio on guitar by superimposing it over the corresponding E major barre chord shape. This visual connection between chord and arpeggio helps you find arpeggio tones instantly during improvisation.

Related Resources

Explore E Dominant Thirteenth in Other Tunings

• E Dominant Thirteenth in Drop D (E-B-G-D-A-D)
• E Dominant Thirteenth in DADGAD (D-A-G-D-A-D)
• E Dominant Thirteenth in Open G (D-B-G-D-G-D)
• E Dominant Thirteenth in Baritone (B Standard) (B-F#-D-A-E-B)
• E Dominant Thirteenth in 7-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B)
• E Dominant Thirteenth in 8-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B-F#)
• E Dominant Thirteenth in Drop C (D-A-F-C-G-C)
• E Dominant Thirteenth in Drop B (C#-G#-E-B-F#-B)
• E Dominant Thirteenth in Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)
• E Dominant Thirteenth in Half Step Down (Eb-Bb-Gb-Db-Ab-Eb)
• E Dominant Thirteenth in Open E (E-B-G#-E-B-E)
• E Dominant Thirteenth in Open A (E-C#-A-E-A-E)
• E Dominant Thirteenth in Double Drop D (D-B-G-D-A-D)
• E Dominant Thirteenth in Open C (E-C-G-C-G-C)

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