Play the eleventh chord on piano

The eleventh chord (notated 11) adds a perfect eleventh to the dominant ninth chord. The third is generally omitted to avoid harmonic friction with the eleventh.

Chord composition

IV♭VIIIXXI
RootPerfect fifthMinor seventhMajor ninthPerfect eleventh
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Formula 1 - (3) - 5 - ♭7 - 9 - 11

Theory

The 11 chord is typically played without the major third as it creates dissonance with the eleventh (a semitone). C11 = C-G-B♭-D-F. It's often used as a suspended dominant chord. The fifth and ninth can also be omitted depending on context.

Play the eleventh chord on the piano

Example of Eleventh chord position on piano

Styles

Jazz Fusion Funk Modal Jazz

11 construction

Formula 1 - 3 - 5 - 7b - 9 - 11: full extension. Suspended dominant, blues, funk.

How to play

Often 9sus4 (no 3rd). Blues, funk. Voicings without third or fifth.

Learning

Funk grooves. Enriched blues. Suspended voicings.