Bb Dominant 11th
Notes:Bb – D – F – Ab – C – Eb
Formula:R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11
Intervals:P1-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11
Scale Degrees:1-3-5-b7-9-11
Introduction
The Bb Dominant 11th piano chord (Bb11) consists of the notes Bb, D, F, Ab, C, Eb. Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11 | Scale degrees: 1-3-5-b7-9-11.
Enharmonic equivalent: B♭ is enharmonically equivalent to A♯. See A# Dominant 11th.
Notes
Bb Dominant 11th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | Bb4 – D5 – F5 – Ab5 – C6 – Eb6 |
| 1st Inversion | D4 – F4 – Ab4 – C5 – Bb5 – Eb5 |
| 2nd Inversion | F4 – Ab4 – C5 – Eb5 – D6 – Bb5 |
Key Signature
The key of Bb Dominant 11th has 2 flats: B♭, E♭.
B♭E♭
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11
Intervals: P1-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11
The Bb 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.
Bb Dominant 11th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the Bb Dominant 11th chord?
The Bb Dominant 11th chord (Bb11) contains 6 notes: Bb, D, F, Ab, C, Eb. Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11.
How is Bb11 used in music?
Bb11 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 Bb11?
Bb11 uses scale degrees 1-3-5-b7-9-11, giving it its distinctive sound.
Practice Tips
- Start by placing your thumb on Bb and spacing remaining fingers across the chord.
- Practice Bb11 slowly with separate hands before combining.
- Listen carefully to the tension created by the altered tones in this chord.
- Try voicing Bb11 in different octaves to find the most comfortable position.
- Resolve Bb11 to a nearby chord to hear its function in context.