F6(#11) Chord on Guitar: How To Play the F Major Sixth Sharp Eleventh Added chord
Welcome to our in-depth tutorial on the F 6(#11) chord. This distinctive chord belongs to the Major Chords family and is composed of the notes F, A, C, D, and B. The intervals that construct this chord are 1, 3, 5, 6, and #11, which in complete musical terms are the Root, Major Third, Perfect Fifth, Major Sixth, and Augmented Fourth respectively.
The F 6(#11) chord is not as commonly used as other major chords, but it offers a unique, rich sound that can add depth and complexity to your music. This tutorial will guide you through the process of playing this chord, including chord diagrams and fretboard patterns that visually represent the tones within the chord. If you're new to the concept of chords and intervals, you might want to check out this tutorial on building chords by stacking intervals.
Our focus in this tutorial will be on the sixth and augmented fourth intervals, which are key components of the F 6(#11) chord. If you wish to delve deeper into the sixth chords, we have a dedicated tutorial about sixth (6) guitar chords.
Understanding the fretboard intervals is essential to mastering the F 6(#11) chord and other complex chords. It's also important to know how to denote these chords depending on the intervals that compose them, which you can learn more about in our chord notation tutorial.
While the F 6(#11) chord may seem intimidating at first, with practice and patience, you can add this unique chord to your guitar repertoire. Whether you're an intermediate player or an advanced guitarist looking for a new challenge, this tutorial is designed to help you master the F 6(#11) chord and enhance your musical skills.
Notes in the F 6(#11) chord:
Chord Formula:
Guitar Patterns for the F Major Sixth Sharp Eleventh Added chord
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What notes are included in the F 6(#11) guitar chord?
The F 6(#11) chord is built from five specific notes: F (the root), A (Major Third), C (Perfect Fifth), D (Major Sixth), and B (Augmented Fourth, also known as the #11).
Why is the F 6(#11) chord described as having a unique and rich sound?
The F 6(#11) chord gets its unique, rich sound from the specific combination of its intervals, particularly the Major Sixth (D) and the Augmented Fourth (B, or #11). These extensions add depth, complexity, and a distinct harmonic color beyond a standard major chord.
What is the difference between an Augmented Fourth and a #11 in the context of the F 6(#11) chord?
In the F 6(#11) chord, the Augmented Fourth and the #11 both refer to the same note, B, relative to the root F. An Augmented Fourth describes the simple interval quality from the root, while #11 indicates a compound interval (an octave plus a raised fourth), commonly used to denote extended chord tones that add specific color and tension.
How do the 1, 3, and 5 intervals contribute to the F 6(#11) chord?
The 1 (Root), 3 (Major Third), and 5 (Perfect Fifth) intervals form the fundamental F Major triad (F-A-C). These three notes establish the chord's core major quality and provide the stable harmonic foundation upon which the more colorful 6th and #11th intervals are layered.
Is the F 6(#11) chord still considered a 'Major Chord' despite its extensions?
Yes, the F 6(#11) chord is classified as a Major Chord because its foundational structure, consisting of the root (F), major third (A), and perfect fifth (C), clearly establishes a major tonality. The added 6th and #11th intervals serve to extend and color this underlying major sound, rather than alter its basic quality.