G+(#11) Guitar Chords Explained | G Augmented Fifth Sharp Eleventh added
The G augmented sharp eleven chord is usually written G+(#11) and uses the notes G, B, D# and C#. A scale that covers every chord tone is the G Lydian augmented scale, which is where to start when you improvise.
Without a seventh it lacks the pull of a dominant seventh chord, so it works as a colour chord. The sharp eleventh is the same pitch class as a flat five, one octave higher.
G+(#11) adds the sharp eleventh to an augmented triad, so it has four notes and no seventh.
G augmented with sharp 11th guitar chord is also written as G+(#11), Gaug(#11), G+#11 or Gaug#11.
G +(#11) chord Notes:
Chord Formula:
Formula: 1 3 #5 #11
G +(#11) Chord Interactive Fretboard
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Created by
Giancarlo is a musician (teaching guitar since 2000), software engineer, AI consultant and published researcher
FAQ
How is G+(#11) spelled?
G+(#11) is spelled G, B, D# and C#. That is a root, a major third, a raised fifth and a sharp eleventh. No double sharps are needed.
How is G+(#11) different from a G augmented triad?
The triad has G, B and D#. G+(#11) adds C# as a fourth note, six semitones from the root. It does not add a seventh.
Which scale covers G+(#11)?
The G Whole-Tone Scale (G, A, B, C#, D#, F) contains all four chord notes. Each one is a member of the scale.
Why is G augmented sharp eleven spelled with C#?
The perfect fourth of G is C. The sharp eleventh raises it a semitone, so the note is C#. Calling it Db would hide the fact that it is an eleventh.
