Ab7#11 Guitar Chord | Play, Hear and Practice Interactively
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The Ab7(#11) chord, a distinctive member of the Dominant Chords family, is built from the notes Ab, C, Eb, Gb, and D. These correspond to the intervals Root (1), Major Third (3), Perfect Fifth (5), Minor Seventh (b7), and Augmented Fourth (#11). Use the interactive fretboard tool at the top of this page to instantly see fingerings, hear the chord played as a strum or arpeggio, and check your accuracy with real-time microphone feedback.
Known for its sophisticated sound, the Ab7#11 is frequently found in jazz and fusion, adding a distinctive color to progressions. To fully grasp its rich harmony, you'll benefit from understanding the foundational Dominant Chord family. Deepen your theoretical knowledge of how such complex chords are built with our Chord Construction guide. Practicing this intermediate chord will also naturally lead to smoother chord changes in your playing.
Scroll down this page to discover numerous chord diagrams, ranging from open positions to more advanced shapes, along with detailed music theory, example songs, and common keys where the Ab7#11 appears. But before you explore the diagrams, spend some time with the interactive tool above. Set a comfortable tempo with the drum and BPM tool, strum the chord, and let the mic feedback guide your hand placement. This hands-on, real-time practice is the fastest way to truly integrate this expressive chord into your playing.
Notes of the Ab 7(#11) chord:
Chord Structure:
How To Play The Ab Dominant Seventh Sharp Eleventh Added chord on guitar
Position 1
Movable
Position 2
Barre
Movable
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You can also use this accessible Ab7(#11) chord page, with written diagram instructions and screen-reader support for blind users.
FAQ
What specific notes are included in an Ab7#11 chord?
The Ab7#11 chord is composed of the notes Ab, C, Eb, Gb, and D. These notes represent the root, major third, perfect fifth, minor seventh, and augmented eleventh, respectively.
What does the '#11' interval signify in the Ab7#11 chord?
The '#11' in the Ab7#11 chord signifies an Augmented Fourth. This distinctive interval is what gives the chord its unique character and contributes significantly to its sound.
Why is the Ab7#11 chord considered a 'Dominant Chord'?
The Ab7#11 chord belongs to the Dominant Chords family because it contains the root (Ab), major third (C), and minor seventh (Gb). The presence of the minor seventh interval is a defining characteristic of dominant chords, creating a sense of tension or pull in harmony.
What gives the Ab7#11 chord its unique sound?
The unique sound of the Ab7#11 chord comes primarily from the inclusion of the #11 interval (D). This note creates an interesting harmonic tension and richness when combined with the other chord tones, which is a key part of its appeal in certain musical styles.
What are the specific intervals that build the Ab7#11 chord?
The Ab7#11 chord is built using the intervals 1 (Root), 3 (Major Third), 5 (Perfect Fifth), b7 (Minor Seventh), and #11 (Augmented Fourth). Understanding these intervals helps clarify the chord's structure and sonic identity.
When is the Ab7#11 chord typically used in music?
The Ab7#11 chord is a staple in many musical genres, particularly jazz progressions. It is often employed to create harmonic tension and add a sophisticated flavor, fitting well with the common use of various 7th chord types in jazz.