E Major Thirteenth Guitar Arpeggio

E Major Thirteenth Arpeggio — Notes and Intervals

Notes: E, G#, B, 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 E Major 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 Major Thirteenth Arpeggio

Play the E Major Thirteenth arpeggio whenever a E 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 E Major 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 Major Thirteenth Arpeggio on Guitar

Start the E Major 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 Major Thirteenth arpeggio outlines a E major chord and works perfectly over E, Emaj7, E6 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 E 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 E Major 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 Major Thirteenth in Other Tunings

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

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