B Dominant 11th
Notes:B – D# – F# – A – C# – E
Formula:R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11
Intervals:P1-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11
Scale Degrees:1-3-5-b7-9-11
Introduction
The B Dominant 11th piano chord (B11) consists of the notes B, D#, F#, A, C#, E. Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11 | Scale degrees: 1-3-5-b7-9-11.
Notes
B Dominant 11th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | B4 – D#5 – F#5 – A5 – E6 – C#6 |
| 1st Inversion | D#4 – F#4 – A4 – C#5 – B5 – E5 |
| 2nd Inversion | F#4 – A4 – C#5 – E5 – B5 – D#6 |
Key Signature
The key of B Dominant 11th has 5 sharps: F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯, A♯.
F♯C♯G♯D♯A♯
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11
Intervals: P1-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11
The B 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.
B Dominant 11th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the B Dominant 11th chord?
The B Dominant 11th chord (B11) contains 6 notes: B, D#, F#, A, C#, E. Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11.
How is B11 used in music?
B11 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 B11?
B11 uses scale degrees 1-3-5-b7-9-11, giving it its distinctive sound.
Practice Tips
- Start by placing your thumb on B and spacing remaining fingers across the chord.
- Practice B11 slowly with separate hands before combining.
- Listen carefully to the tension created by the altered tones in this chord.
- Try voicing B11 in different octaves to find the most comfortable position.
- Resolve B11 to a nearby chord to hear its function in context.