Ab7(#11) Chord on Guitar: How To Play the Ab Dominant Seventh Sharp Eleventh Added chord
Welcome to our tutorial on the Ab 7(#11) chord, a member of the Dominant Chords family. This chord, known for its unique sound, is composed of the notes Ab, C, Eb, Gb, and D. It is built using the intervals 1, 3, 5, b7, and #11. These intervals, or the distance between the notes, are what give the chord its distinctive character.
To understand these intervals more deeply, it's essential to get familiar with the naming of intervals on the guitar fretboard. For instance, in our Ab 7(#11) chord, the '1' represents the Root note, '3' is the Major Third, '5' is the Perfect Fifth, 'b7' is the Minor Seventh, and '#11' is the Augmented Fourth.
This chord is a staple in many musical genres, particularly jazz progressions where maj7, m7, and 7 chord types are commonly used. However, it's not a beginner's chord. It's more of an intermediate chord, requiring a certain level of familiarity with the guitar fretboard and chord structures.
To get a grip on the Ab 7(#11) and other similar chords, we recommend checking out our tutorial on dominant (7) guitar chords. There, you will find more in-depth explanations, chord diagrams, and fretboard patterns that show the tones composing these chords.
And if you ever come across a chord shape and you're unsure how to name it, our interactive tool for analyzing chord shapes can be a great help. Happy playing!
Notes of the Ab 7(#11) chord:
Chord Structure:
How To Play The Ab Dominant Seventh Sharp Eleventh Added chord on guitar
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Position 1
Movable
Position 2
Barre
Movable
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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.