A+(#11) Guitar Chord | How To Create and Play the A Augmented Fifth Sharp Eleventh added chord
Welcome to our tutorial on the A +(#11) chord. This intriguing chord belongs to the Augmented Chords family and is composed of the notes A, C#, E#, and D#. The intervals that build this chord are 1 (Root), 3 (Major Third), #5 (Augmented Fifth), and #11 (Augmented Fourth). This chord is a bit more complex than the basic major and minor chords, making it a great addition to your chord vocabulary.
To understand how to form this chord, it's important to have a good grasp of fretboard intervals and how they are stacked to build chords. If you're not familiar with these concepts, we recommend checking out our tutorial that teaches how to build chords by stacking intervals.
In this tutorial, we will provide you with chord diagrams and fretboard patterns showing the tones composing the A +(#11) chord. This will enable you to visualize the chord structure and make it easier for you to play. If you're interested in understanding how chords are denoted based on the intervals that compose them, our tutorial on chord notation is a great resource.
Remember, mastering the A +(#11) chord will not only enhance your technical skills but also broaden your musical horizons. So, let's dive in and start learning!
Notes that compose the A +(#11) chord:
Chord Structure:
Fingerings for the A Augmented Fifth Sharp Eleventh added guitar chord
No guitar diagrams created yet for this chord. Request one here
Download
the Free Guitar Chords Chart PdfFAQ
What does the '+' symbol in 'A +(#11)' signify, and how is it related to the '#5' interval?
The '+' symbol in 'A +(#11)' specifically indicates that the fifth of the chord is augmented. This means the 5th scale degree is raised by a half step, creating a #5 (Augmented Fifth) interval above the root. The full 'A +(#11)' chord extends this augmented triad by adding an augmented eleventh.
What defines an 'Augmented Chord' in general, and how does the A+(#11) fit into that family?
An Augmented Chord is fundamentally characterized by the presence of an augmented fifth (#5) interval above the root. The A+(#11) chord includes this crucial augmented fifth (E# from the root A), which is why it's considered part of the Augmented Chords family, even with the additional augmented eleventh.
Why is the D# note referred to as a '#11' (Augmented Eleventh) in this chord instead of just a #4 (Augmented Fourth)?
While the D# is indeed an augmented fourth from A, in chord nomenclature, when an interval extends beyond an octave, it's typically referred to by its higher number. The #11 is an extension of the 4th, indicating it's an octave plus a major second above the 9th, or an octave above the #4. This numbering (#11) is used in more complex chords to maintain the consistent stacking of intervals, especially when a 7th is also present, even if not explicitly stated in the name.
Why are the notes E# and D# used in the A+(#11) chord instead of F and Eb, which sound the same on the guitar?
The use of E# and D# (enharmonic equivalents of F and Eb) is crucial for accurately representing the theoretical structure and intervals of the chord. E# correctly spells out an Augmented Fifth from A (A-B-C-D-E, then E#), maintaining the consistent stacking of thirds. Similarly, D# accurately represents the Augmented Eleventh. Using F or Eb would imply different theoretical intervals or scale degrees, making the chord's construction from the root and its extensions less clear.
How do the chord diagrams and fretboard patterns help me learn to play the A+(#11) chord?
The chord diagrams and fretboard patterns visually map out where the specific notes (A, C#, E#, D#) that comprise the A+(#11) chord are located on the guitar neck. By studying these patterns, you can identify various fingerings and positions for the chord, allowing you to not only play it but also understand the theoretical layout of its root, major third, augmented fifth, and augmented eleventh intervals across the fretboard.