A Dominant Ninth Sharp Eleventh Added Guitar Chord Charts & Variations
Welcome to our tutorial on the A 9(#11) chord, a unique and complex chord that belongs to the Dominant Chords family. This chord, rich in color and depth, is composed of the notes A, C#, E, G, B, and D#.
The A 9(#11) chord is constructed with the intervals 1 (Root), 3 (Major Third), 5 (Perfect Fifth), b7 (Minor Seventh), 9 (Major Ninth), and #11 (Augmented Fourth). If you're interested in learning more about how these intervals create this chord, check out our tutorial on building chords by stacking intervals.
The A 9(#11) chord is more advanced than beginner chords, and it's often used in jazz and blues music due to its distinctive sound. If you're interested in expanding your chord knowledge beyond the basics, you might find our tutorial on intermediate guitar chords useful.
Understanding how to denote chords based on the intervals that compose them is crucial for mastering the A 9(#11) chord. Our tutorial on chord notation can help you with this. Also, if you're curious about how this chord fits into common chord progressions, our tutorial on common chord progressions may be of interest.
Finally, if you want to explore more chords in the Dominant family, like the A 9(#11), check out our detailed tutorial on Dominant (7) guitar chords.
Happy strumming!
Notes of the A 9(#11) chord:
Chord Formula:
A9(#11) Guitar Chord Voicings
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Position 1
Barre
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FAQ
What notes and intervals compose the A 9(#11) chord?
The A 9(#11) chord is built from the notes A, C#, E, G, B, and D#. These correspond to the intervals 1 (Root), 3 (Major Third), 5 (Perfect Fifth), b7 (Minor Seventh), 9 (Major Ninth), and #11 (Augmented Fourth) respectively.
Why is the A 9(#11) chord considered a 'Dominant Chord'?
The A 9(#11) chord belongs to the Dominant Chords family because its fundamental structure includes a root, major third, perfect fifth, and a minor seventh (A, C#, E, G), which defines a dominant 7th chord. The '9' and '#11' are extensions built upon this dominant 7th foundation.
What does the '#11' signify in the A 9(#11) chord name?
The '#11' in A 9(#11) refers to an Augmented Fourth interval from the root. This is a tension that adds a specific, rich color and depth to the chord, making it distinct from other dominant chords without this extension.
In what musical styles is the A 9(#11) chord commonly used?
Due to its distinctive and colorful sound, the A 9(#11) chord is frequently used in jazz and blues music. It provides a sophisticated harmonic texture often sought after in these genres.
Why is the A 9(#11) chord described as advanced and not for beginners?
The A 9(#11) chord is considered advanced because it includes multiple extensions (the 9th and #11th) beyond a basic triad or seventh chord. This complexity often requires more sophisticated fingerings and a deeper understanding of music theory to play and utilize effectively.
How does the A 9(#11) chord achieve its distinctive sound?
The A 9(#11) chord gets its distinctive sound from the combination of its dominant 7th foundation with the added major ninth and especially the augmented eleventh. The #11 interval, in particular, introduces a unique tension and 'rich color' that gives the chord its characteristic depth and sophisticated quality.