D Dominant 11th

Notes:D – F# – A – C – E – G
Formula:R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11
Intervals:P1-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11
Scale Degrees:1-3-5-b7-9-11

Introduction

The D Dominant 11th piano chord (D11) consists of the notes D, F#, A, C, E, G. Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11 | Scale degrees: 1-3-5-b7-9-11.

Notes

Notes:D – F# – A – C – E – G

D Dominant 11th Inversions

PositionNotes
Root PositionD4 – F#4 – A4 – C5 – E5 – G5
1st InversionF#4 – A4 – C5 – E5 – D6 – G5
2nd InversionA4 – C5 – E5 – G5 – D6 – F#6

Key Signature

The key of D Dominant 11th has 2 sharps: F♯, C♯.

FC

Theory: Intervals

Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11
Intervals: P1-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11

The D 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.

D Dominant 11th — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the D Dominant 11th chord?

The D Dominant 11th chord (D11) contains 6 notes: D, F#, A, C, E, G. Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11.

How is D11 used in music?

D11 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 D11?

D11 uses scale degrees 1-3-5-b7-9-11, giving it its distinctive sound.

Practice Tips

  • Start by placing your thumb on D and spacing remaining fingers across the chord.
  • Practice D11 slowly with separate hands before combining.
  • Listen carefully to the tension created by the altered tones in this chord.
  • Try voicing D11 in different octaves to find the most comfortable position.
  • Resolve D11 to a nearby chord to hear its function in context.