Bbm11 Guitar Chord Diagrams | Bb Minor Eleventh
Welcome to our tutorial on the Bb m11 chord, a rich and complex member of the Minor Chords family. This chord is composed of the notes Bb, Db, F, Ab, C, and Eb, and is built from the intervals 1, b3, 5, b7, 9, and 11. These intervals correspond to the Root, Minor Third, Perfect Fifth, Minor Seventh, Major Ninth, and Perfect Eleventh, respectively.
The Bb m11 chord is a beautiful, versatile chord that can add depth and color to your music. It is a staple in genres such as jazz and soul, but can also be used in pop, rock, and other styles for a unique sound.
Understanding the intervals that make up this chord is crucial for mastering it. If you're new to the concept of intervals, we recommend checking out our tutorial about fretboard intervals. This will give you a solid foundation in how chords are constructed and how to identify the notes on your fretboard.
Once you've got a handle on intervals, you can delve deeper into the theory behind chord construction with our tutorial that teaches how to build chords by stacking intervals. This knowledge will not only help you understand the Bb m11 chord better, but also enable you to create your own unique chords and progressions.
In the following sections of this tutorial, we'll provide chord diagrams and fretboard patterns to show you how to play the Bb m11 chord in various positions on the neck. We'll also discuss how to incorporate this chord into your playing and give examples of songs that feature it.
Whether you're an intermediate player looking to expand your chord vocabulary, or an advanced guitarist seeking to deepen your understanding of music theory, this tutorial on the Bb m11 chord will be a valuable resource. So grab your guitar and let's get started!
Notes of the Bb m11 chord:
Chord formula for the Minor Eleventh chord:
Fingerings for the Bbm11 guitar chord
Chord boxes are sorted from the easiest to the hardest. Learn how to read chord diagrams.
If you have difficulties with bar chord shapes, check the Bar Chords Tips tutorial.
You can also use this accessible chords page with written diagrams instruction.
Position 1
Movable
Position 2
Movable
Position 3
Barre
Movable
Position 4
Barre
Movable
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FAQ
What defines a minor 11th (m11) chord like the Bb m11?
A minor 11th chord, such as the Bb m11, is characterized by its specific set of intervals built upon the root. For the Bb m11, these are the Root (1), Minor Third (b3), Perfect Fifth (5), Minor Seventh (b7), Major Ninth (9), and Perfect Eleventh (11). These extended intervals give it a richer and more complex sound than a basic minor chord.
Why does the Bb m11 chord have six distinct notes?
The Bb m11 chord has six distinct notes because it includes the fundamental notes of a minor triad (root, minor third, perfect fifth) and then extends upward with the minor seventh, major ninth, and perfect eleventh intervals. Each of these six intervals contributes a unique note to the chord, resulting in its full six-note voicing.
How does the Bb m11 chord differ from a basic Bb minor chord?
A basic Bb minor chord consists of just three notes: Bb (root), Db (minor third), and F (perfect fifth). The Bb m11 chord expands upon this by adding the minor seventh (Ab), major ninth (C), and perfect eleventh (Eb). These additional notes create a much richer, more complex, and harmonically colorful sound compared to the simpler minor triad.
What kind of sound or 'color' does the Bb m11 chord add to music?
The Bb m11 chord is known for adding a rich, complex, and sophisticated harmonic 'color' to music. Its combination of intervals, particularly the minor seventh, major ninth, and perfect eleventh, creates a distinct sense of depth and can make a musical passage sound unique and nuanced.
In what musical styles is the Bb m11 chord commonly used?
The Bb m11 chord is a staple in genres that utilize complex harmonies, such as jazz and soul. Its unique and deep sound also makes it a valuable chord to incorporate into pop, rock, and other contemporary styles when aiming for a more sophisticated or distinct musical texture.