Guitar Chord Dictionary: C Dominant Eleventh Chords
Welcome to our tutorial on the C 11 chord, a complex yet beautiful chord that belongs to the family of Dominant Chords. This chord is composed of the notes C, E, G, Bb, D, and F, and is built using the following intervals: 1, 3, 5, b7, 9, and 11.
The intervals that make up this chord have specific names in music theory. The '1' is the Root, '3' is the Major Third, '5' is the Perfect Fifth, 'b7' is the Minor Seventh, '9' is the Major Ninth, and '11' is the Perfect Eleventh. To understand more about these intervals, you can refer to our tutorial about fretboard intervals.
This chord is more advanced than the ones typically learned by beginners, hence it falls under the category of intermediate guitar chords. It is often used in jazz chord progressions, which frequently utilize maj7, m7 and 7 chord types. For more about this, you can check out our tutorial about jazz chord progression.
In this tutorial, we will guide you on how to play the C 11 chord using chord diagrams and fretboard patterns that show the tones composing the chord. We will also delve into how this chord is built by stacking intervals, a concept explained in our tutorial that teaches how to build chords.
Learning to play the C 11 chord can be a challenge, but with practice and understanding, it can add a unique flavor to your guitar playing. So, let's dive in!
C 11 chord Notes:
Chord Formula:
Guitar Patterns for the C Dominant Eleventh chord
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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
Barre
Movable
Position 2
Barre
Movable
Position 3
Barre
Movable
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FAQ
What notes and intervals make up a C11 chord?
The C11 chord is composed of the notes C, E, G, Bb, D, and F. These correspond to the intervals of Root (1), Major Third (3), Perfect Fifth (5), Minor Seventh (b7), Major Ninth (9), and Perfect Eleventh (11) from the root note C.
Why is the C11 chord classified as a dominant chord?
The C11 chord is a dominant chord because its fundamental structure includes the Root, Major Third, Perfect Fifth, and crucially, the Minor Seventh (b7) interval. This characteristic minor seventh is what defines a dominant 7th chord, and the 9th and 11th are extensions built upon that dominant foundation.
What makes the C11 chord an intermediate level chord for guitarists?
The C11 chord is considered intermediate because it is more complex than basic chords, involving six distinct notes and intervals. Playing it accurately requires a deeper understanding of music theory and often more challenging fingerings or fretboard patterns compared to simpler three or four-note chords.
When are C11 chords typically used in music?
C11 chords are frequently used in jazz music, particularly within jazz chord progressions. They add a rich and complex harmonic flavor, often found in progressions that also utilize major 7th, minor 7th, and dominant 7th chord types.
What does the '11' signify in the C11 chord name?
The '11' in C11 signifies that the chord includes the Perfect Eleventh interval (F) in its structure, in addition to the Root (C), Major Third (E), Perfect Fifth (G), Minor Seventh (Bb), and Major Ninth (D). The number indicates the highest musical interval present from the root, beyond the basic dominant 7th and 9th.