The C Dominant 11th chord is a six-note chord made up of C, E, G, B♭, D, and F. It is built from a root, major third, perfect fifth, minor seventh, major ninth, and perfect eleventh.
Construction
C Dominant 11th = Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th + Minor 7th + Major 2nd + Perfect 4th = C · E · G · B♭ · D · F
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| C | Root | 1 |
| E | Major 3rd | 3 |
| G | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| B♭ | Minor 7th | ♭7 |
| D | Major 2nd | 9 |
| F | Perfect 4th | 11 |
Key Signature
A dominant chord points home to the key a fifth below its root: the C Dominant 11th is the V (dominant) of F Major, so the relevant key signature is that key’s — 1 flat (B♭). Spelled as a scale, these notes are C Mixolydian.
B♭
Order of flats
Flats are added in a fixed order — the reverse of the sharp order. Each new flat key adds the next flat on the list.
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭C♭F♭
Mnemonic: Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles’ Father
Chords in the Key of F Major
These are the triads built on each degree of the F major scale:
C Dominant 11th — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the C Dominant 11th chord on piano?
The C Dominant 11th chord contains the notes C – E – G – B♭ – D – F. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
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.