Advanced Extended Guitar Chords: 9th, 11th and 13th Voicings

Advanced Extended Guitar Chords: 9th, 11th and 13th Voicings

Why Learn Extended Chords? (And When to Use Them)

There comes a point in every guitarist’s journey when standard major and minor chords start to feel limiting. Sure, they’re the foundation of almost every song, but if you want richer, more expressive harmonies, you need to step into the world of advanced extended guitar chords. Specifically, 9th, 11th and 13th voicings. These chords are essential in jazz, fusion, and modern rock, offering lush textures that make chord progressions more dynamic and compelling.

The Building Blocks: How 9th, 11th and 13th Chords Work

Extended chords build upon basic triads by adding additional scale degrees. Think of them as an evolution of major and dominant seventh chords:

• Add 9th Chords: A triad or a four note chord plus a 9th (the second scale degree raised an octave).
• Add 11th Chords: A triad or a four note chord with an added 11th, often altered (sharp) for color.
• Add 13th Chords: The broadest extension, including a 13th (the sixth degree raised an octave) on top of a triad or four note chord.

For example, C major 9 (Cmaj9) consists of C (root), E (major third), G (fifth, often optional), B (major seventh), and D (ninth). A C major 9#11 adds an F# for a slightly tense but beautiful flavor.

Teaching Tip: The Role of the Fifth

A common mistake among beginners is assuming every note in a chord formula is equally important. The fifth is often optional in extended voicings. Since it doesn’t add harmonic tension or resolution, many players omit it to keep voicings less cluttered. This is especially useful when playing in a band setting where the bass player is covering the root and fifth.

Altered Chords: Adding Tension for More Expressive Playing

Not all extended chords are purely about color. Some introduce tension, perfect for resolving into a stable harmony. Two particularly useful ones are:

• C7 alt (C altered dominant): Typically includes a root, third, a flat or sharp five, and a minor seventh creating a strikingly dissonant sound.
• C7♭13 (C dominant 7 flat 13): A dominant seventh chord with a flattened 13th (A♭), often used in jazz and blues to lead into another chord.

Take the C7(9,#11,13) voicing. This chord is packed with extensions: root, third, seventh, ninth, sharp 11th, and 13th, which means you must make choices. Guitarists rarely play every note; instead, they emphasize different tones depending on the context. In a jazz comping setting, you might highlight the third, seventh, and one or two extensions, while a solo guitarist might adapt the voicing to fit their arrangement.

Common Pitfalls: Overcomplicating Chord Voicings

A mistake many players make when exploring extended chords is thinking more notes always equal a better sound. The reality? The best voicings balance complexity with playability. In many cases, less is more: dropping certain notes (like the root when playing with a bassist) can create clearer, more open sounds.

Where to Go Next with Extended Chords

Mastering 9th, 11th and 13th voicings will transform your approach to harmony. Whether you’re playing jazz standards, crafting sophisticated rock ballads, or adding flavor to blues progressions, these chords open up new sonic possibilities.

To integrate them effectively:

• Start by adding a single extension to familiar chords (e.g., replace C major with Cmaj9).
• Listen to players like Pat Metheny, John Scofield, or Bill Frisell, who use extended harmonies creatively.
• Experiment with voicings in different positions. Some are easier to play higher up the neck.

With patience and practice, these chords will feel as natural as your open-position basics and they’ll make your playing infinitely more expressive.