Chord and FretC13 on cavaquinho
On the cavaquinho, four steel strings tuned D–G–B–D pack the chord into a small, bright space — every finger counts. In this C13 voicing the bass is A and the shape runs from fret 5 to 8. Because this instrument has fewer strings than C13 has notes, one note — usually the fifth — is normally dropped without losing the chord's identity. Its four steel strings give a bright, sharp attack that cuts through the mix and drives the beat.
Notes in C13: C – E – G – Bb – D – AFormula: 1 – 3 – 5 – b7 – 9 – 13In the formula, the numbers count steps of the major scale starting from the note that names the chord; "b" lowers a half step, "#" raises one — and a slash names the bass note.
Where to use it: An elegant dominant in jazz, MPB and gospel.
This is just one shape of C13 on cavaquinho. In Chord and Fret, you hear every shape strummed string by string, in the instrument's own voice; compare positions with their difficulty marked; and change the tuning — the shape rewrites itself. Start free. Unlock everything with Pro. Plays offline.
See the whole neck in Chord and Fret →Part of the Extended family.