C Dominant 11th
Notes:C – E – G – Bb – D – F
Formula:R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11
Intervals:P1-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11
Scale Degrees:1-3-5-b7-9-11
Introduction
The C Dominant 11th piano chord (C11) consists of the notes C, E, G, Bb, D, F. Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11 | Scale degrees: 1-3-5-b7-9-11.
Notes
C Dominant 11th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | C4 – E4 – G4 – Bb4 – D5 – F5 |
| 1st Inversion | E4 – G4 – Bb4 – D5 – C6 – F5 |
| 2nd Inversion | G4 – Bb4 – D5 – F5 – C6 – E6 |
Key Signature
The key of C Dominant 11th has No sharps or flats.
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11
Intervals: P1-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11
The C 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.
C Dominant 11th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the C Dominant 11th chord?
The C Dominant 11th chord (C11) contains 6 notes: C, E, G, Bb, D, F. Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11.
How is C11 used in music?
C11 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 C11?
C11 uses scale degrees 1-3-5-b7-9-11, giving it its distinctive sound.
Practice Tips
- Start by placing your thumb on C and spacing remaining fingers across the chord.
- Practice C11 slowly with separate hands before combining.
- Listen carefully to the tension created by the altered tones in this chord.
- Try voicing C11 in different octaves to find the most comfortable position.
- Resolve C11 to a nearby chord to hear its function in context.