A Dominant 11th
Notes:A – C# – E – G – B – D
Formula:R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11
Intervals:P1-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11
Scale Degrees:1-3-5-b7-9-11
Introduction
The A Dominant 11th piano chord (A11) consists of the notes A, C#, E, G, B, D. Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11 | Scale degrees: 1-3-5-b7-9-11.
Notes
A Dominant 11th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | A4 – C#5 – E5 – G5 – B5 – D6 |
| 1st Inversion | C#4 – E4 – G4 – B4 – A5 – D5 |
| 2nd Inversion | E4 – G4 – B4 – D5 – A5 – C#6 |
Key Signature
The key of A Dominant 11th has 3 sharps: F♯, C♯, G♯.
F♯C♯G♯
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11
Intervals: P1-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11
The A Dominant 11th is built by stacking intervals from the root note. The formula R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11 describes the scale degrees used. The intervals P1-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11 show the distance between each note in the chord.
A Dominant 11th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the A Dominant 11th chord?
The A Dominant 11th chord (A11) contains 6 notes: A, C#, E, G, B, D. Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11.
How is A11 used in music?
A11 is used in jazz, fusion, and contemporary music to add harmonic color. It appears as a dominant or tonic chord depending on context.
What is the scale degree formula for A11?
A11 uses scale degrees 1-3-5-b7-9-11, giving it its distinctive sound.
Practice Tips
- Start by placing your thumb on A and spacing remaining fingers across the chord.
- Practice A11 slowly with separate hands before combining.
- Listen carefully to the tension created by the altered tones in this chord.
- Try voicing A11 in different octaves to find the most comfortable position.
- Resolve A11 to a nearby chord to hear its function in context.