How to Play C#7(#11) Chord on Guitar | C# Dominant Seventh Sharp Eleventh Added
Welcome to our tutorial on the C# 7(#11) chord, a member of the Dominant Chords family. This chord, rich in harmonic complexity, is composed of the notes C#, E#, G#, B, and F##. The intervals that construct this chord are 1, 3, 5, b7, and #11, or in complete terms: Root, Major Third, Perfect Fifth, Minor Seventh, and Augmented Fourth.
Understanding the fretboard intervals and how they come together to form chords is key to mastering the C# 7(#11) chord. You can delve deeper into this topic with our fretboard intervals tutorial.
The C# 7(#11) chord is a more advanced chord, so if you're new to guitar, you may want to start with our basic guitar chord tutorial before attempting this particular chord. If you're ready to take on the challenge, our intermediate guitar chord tutorial is a great next step.
Being a part of the Dominant Chords family, the C# 7(#11) chord often appears in jazz chord progressions. You can learn more about these progressions in our jazz chord progression tutorial.
Finally, if you're trying to figure out a chord from its shape on the fretboard, our interactive chord shape analyzer can prove to be an invaluable tool. Happy practicing!
Notes of the C# 7(#11) chord:
Chord structure of the Dominant Seventh Sharp Eleventh Added chord:
Fingerings for the C# Dominant Seventh Sharp Eleventh Added guitar chord
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What notes form the C# 7(#11) chord?
The C# 7(#11) chord is composed of five specific notes: C# (Root), E# (Major Third), G# (Perfect Fifth), B (Minor Seventh), and F## (Augmented Fourth). These notes directly correspond to its interval structure of 1, 3, 5, b7, and #11.
What do the intervals 1, 3, 5, b7, and #11 mean in the C# 7(#11) chord?
These intervals describe the harmonic construction of the chord from its root (C#). '1' is the Root (C#), '3' is the Major Third (E#), '5' is the Perfect Fifth (G#), 'b7' is the Minor Seventh (B), and '#11' is the Augmented Fourth (F##).
Why does the C# 7(#11) chord include notes like E# and F##?
The notes E# and F## are used to maintain correct theoretical spelling for the intervals relative to the root C#. E# accurately represents the Major Third of C#, and F## represents the Augmented Fourth (#11) within this specific chord's construction, even though they are enharmonically equivalent to other notes.
What is the significance of the '#11' in the C# 7(#11) chord?
The '#11' indicates the inclusion of an Augmented Fourth interval above the root. This specific extension adds a distinctive harmonic complexity and rich color to the dominant 7th chord structure.
What makes the C# 7(#11) part of the Dominant Chords family?
The C# 7(#11) is classified as a Dominant Chord because its foundational structure includes the root, major third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh (1, 3, 5, b7). The #11 is an added extension that builds upon this dominant quality, contributing to its rich harmonic complexity.
When might I encounter or use a C# 7(#11) chord?
The C# 7(#11) chord often appears in jazz chord progressions. Its advanced harmonic complexity and distinctive sound make it suitable for musical contexts that utilize sophisticated harmony and extended voicings.
Is the C# 7(#11) a suitable chord for beginner guitarists?
No, the C# 7(#11) is considered a more advanced chord due to its rich harmonic complexity and the inclusion of an extended, altered interval (#11). Guitarists new to the instrument are generally advised to master more basic chords before tackling this one.