A#+(#11) Guitar Chords Explained | A# Augmented Fifth Sharp Eleventh added
Welcome to our tutorial on the A# +(#11) chord. This chord, belonging to the Augmented Chords family, is a unique and complex chord that will add depth and richness to your guitar playing. Composed of the notes A#, C##, E##, and D##, the A# +(#11) chord is built using the intervals 1, 3, #5, and #11.
Understanding the intervals that build this chord is crucial. The 1 is the Root, the 3 is the Major Third, the #5 is the Augmented Fifth, and the #11 is the Augmented Eleventh. If you're not familiar with these terms, you might want to check out our tutorial about fretboard intervals and our tutorial on how to denote chords depending on the intervals that compose it.
In this tutorial, we'll be providing you with detailed chord diagrams and fretboard patterns that show the tones composing the A# +(#11) chord. These visual aids will help you understand how to form this chord on your guitar. If you're interested in learning more about how to build chords by stacking intervals, our guitar music theory tutorial is a great resource.
The A# +(#11) chord is not a beginner chord, so if you're just starting out, you may want to begin with simpler chords. However, if you're an intermediate player looking to expand your chord vocabulary, this tutorial is perfect for you. For more advanced chords, check out our intermediate guitar chord tutorial.
Mastering the A# +(#11) chord will open up new possibilities in your playing, allowing you to explore new musical landscapes and create more complex and interesting progressions. Happy playing!
Notes of the A# +(#11) chord:
Chord Formula:
Guitar Patterns for the A# Augmented Fifth Sharp Eleventh added chord
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What does "augmented" mean in the context of the A# +(#11) chord?
In the A# +(#11) chord, 'augmented' refers specifically to the Augmented Fifth (#5) interval. This interval is characteristic of augmented chords, giving them a distinct bright, tense, or unresolved quality compared to standard major or minor chords.
Why are notes like C##, E##, and D## used in the A# +(#11) chord instead of their enharmonic equivalents?
Music theory conventions dictate that intervals should maintain their original letter names to correctly represent the distance from the root. For the A# +(#11) chord, C## represents the major third, E## represents the augmented fifth, and D## represents the augmented eleventh. Using double sharps preserves the theoretical structure of the intervals (e.g., A# to a C-based note for a third, A# to an E-based note for a fifth, A# to a D-based note for an eleventh).
What is the specific role or sound contribution of the #11 interval in the A# +(#11) chord?
The #11, or augmented eleventh, is an extension that adds significant harmonic color and tension to the chord. It creates a bright, often ethereal or slightly dissonant sound that can add sophistication and richness, pushing the chord beyond a basic augmented triad into more complex harmonic territory.
How is the A# +(#11) chord different from a simpler A# augmented chord?
A simpler A# augmented chord (often just written A#aug or A#+) typically refers to a triad composed only of the root, major third, and augmented fifth (1, 3, #5). The A# +(#11) chord expands upon this by adding the augmented eleventh (#11) interval, introducing an additional layer of harmonic complexity and color not present in the basic triad.
When might an intermediate guitarist use the A# +(#11) chord in their playing?
An intermediate guitarist can use the A# +(#11) chord to add unique depth, richness, and tension to musical progressions. It's particularly effective for creating more complex harmonic landscapes, exploring less common voicings, or moving into genres like jazz, fusion, or contemporary music where sophisticated chord extensions are frequently employed.
Is the A# +(#11) chord suitable for guitarists who are just starting out?
No, the A# +(#11) chord is not recommended for beginner guitarists. It involves complex intervals, unusual note spellings, and requires a foundational understanding of music theory and basic chord shapes. Beginners should focus on mastering fundamental chords and concepts before tackling such advanced voicings.