Db7#11 Guitar Chord | Play, Hear and Practice Interactively
The Db 7(#11) chord, a rich sound from the Dominant Chords family, is built from the notes Db, F, Ab, Cb, and G. 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 visualize every fingering, listen to the chord played as a strum or arpeggio, and get instant feedback on your accuracy with the real-time microphone feature.
Understanding the combination of a dominant seventh with an augmented eleventh creates a unique, complex tension, often used in jazz and fusion. Explore the full characteristics of the Dominant Chord family to grasp its musical role, and dive deeper into chord construction principles with our Chord Construction tutorial. Many advanced seventh chords, like the Db7#11, involve movable shapes; our guide on Guitar Bar Chords can help you master these forms. Once you learn the shapes, focus on improving your chord changes for seamless playing.
Further down this page, you'll discover a comprehensive collection of Db 7(#11) chord diagrams, ranked from the simplest open positions to more challenging barre shapes. We also provide deeper music theory explanations, lists of songs that feature this chord, and the key contexts where it shines. But before you scroll, take a moment to engage with the interactive tool above: dial in a tempo with the drum and BPM tool, play the chord, and use the mic feedback to fine-tune your finger placement and ensure every note rings clear. This active learning approach is incredibly effective for internalizing new chords.
Db 7(#11) chord Notes:
Chord structure of the Dominant Seventh Sharp Eleventh Added chord:
How To Play The Db7(#11) chord on guitar
Position 1
Movable
Position 2
Movable
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FAQ
What are the specific notes that make up the Db 7(#11) guitar chord?
The Db 7(#11) chord is composed of the notes Db, F, Ab, Cb, and G. These notes are derived from its foundational intervals relative to the root.
How do the intervals 1, 3, 5, b7, and #11 define the structure of the Db 7(#11) chord?
These intervals correspond to the Root (1), Major Third (3), Perfect Fifth (5), Minor Seventh (b7), and Augmented Eleventh (#11) respectively. They form the specific sonic character of the chord, with the Db as the root.
What does the '#11' mean in the Db 7(#11) chord, and how does it affect its sound?
The '#11' stands for an augmented eleventh, which is an octave higher than an augmented fourth. This interval (G in the key of Db) adds a distinct, complex, and rich harmonic color, contributing significant tension to the chord, which is characteristic of dominant chords used in jazz and blues.
Why is the Db 7(#11) classified as a 'Dominant Chord' and what is its role in music?
It is a dominant chord because it contains a minor seventh (Cb). Dominant chords inherently create a strong sense of tension that typically seeks to resolve, making them essential for creating harmonic movement and interest, especially in styles like jazz and blues.
Why is the Db 7(#11) chord considered more advanced and not for beginners?
This chord is considered advanced because it extends beyond basic triads and 7th chords by including the augmented eleventh. Mastering it requires a solid understanding of complex intervals and chord construction, and often more intricate fingerings on the guitar compared to simpler chords.