G7(#11) Chord on Guitar: How To Play the G Dominant Seventh Sharp Eleventh Added chord
Welcome to our tutorial on the G 7(#11) chord, a complex and rich sounding chord that belongs to the Dominant Chords family. This chord is composed of the notes G, B, D, F, and C#, and is built using the intervals 1, 3, 5, b7, and #11. These intervals, when stacked together, create a unique musical color that can add depth and sophistication to your playing.
Understanding the intervals that build this chord is crucial, and for this we recommend checking out our tutorial about fretboard intervals. This will help you understand the relationship between the notes and how they interact to create the distinctive sound of the G 7(#11) chord.
As part of the Dominant Chords family, the G 7(#11) chord can often be found in jazz and blues music. If you're interested in learning more about this family of chords, you can check out our tutorial about dominant (7) guitar chords.
In order to fully grasp the G 7(#11) chord, it's important to understand how to denote chords depending on the intervals that compose it. Our tutorial on chord notation can serve as a valuable resource in this regard.
Once you've got a handle on the theory, it's time to put it into practice. We'll be showing you chord diagrams and fretboard patterns to help you visualize and play the G 7(#11) chord. This chord is more advanced than beginner chords, but don't worry, with practice and patience, you'll get the hang of it. If you need more help, feel free to explore our tutorial about more advanced chords.
So let's dive in and learn how to add this fascinating chord to your musical vocabulary!
Notes of the G 7(#11) chord:
Tones in the Dominant Seventh Sharp Eleventh Added chord:
G Dominant Seventh Sharp Eleventh Added Guitar Chord Diagrams
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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
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Position 2
Movable
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FAQ
What notes make up the G 7(#11) chord?
The G 7(#11) chord is composed of five specific notes: G (the root), B (the major third), D (the perfect fifth), F (the flat seventh), and C# (the augmented eleventh).
What does the '#11' interval in G 7(#11) mean, and why is it sharp?
The '#11' signifies an augmented (raised) eleventh interval from the root note (G). In this chord, it's a C#. It's sharp because the natural 11th (C) would create an undesirable dissonance with the major third (B) of the chord. Raising it to C# creates a more sophisticated and less clashing harmonic tension.
What musical quality or color does the #11 interval add to the G 7(#11) chord?
The #11 interval contributes a distinctive, often 'jazzy' or 'exotic' tension to the chord. It adds depth and a sophisticated, shimmering quality, making the G 7(#11) sound rich and complex, distinct from a standard dominant 7th chord.
Why is the G 7(#11) considered a 'dominant' chord?
The G 7(#11) is classified as a dominant chord primarily because it contains the flat seventh (b7) interval (F in this case). This interval, along with the root and major third, forms the core of a dominant chord, which typically creates tension that resolves to a tonic.
In what types of music is the G 7(#11) chord commonly used?
The G 7(#11) chord is frequently found in jazz and blues music. Its complex harmonic character makes it a staple for adding sophisticated voicings and color in these genres.
How does the G 7(#11) chord compare to a basic G7 chord?
The G 7(#11) chord is an extension of a basic G7 chord. While both contain the root (G), major third (B), perfect fifth (D), and flat seventh (F), the G 7(#11) adds the augmented eleventh (C#), which significantly alters its harmonic color and complexity.
Is the G 7(#11) chord difficult for guitarists to learn?
The G 7(#11) is considered a more advanced chord than fundamental beginner chords due to its extended nature and potentially intricate fingerings required to play all five notes. However, with dedicated practice and patience, guitarists can certainly master it.