G Dominant 11th

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

Introduction

The G Dominant 11th piano chord (G11) consists of the notes G, B, D, F, A, C. Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11 | Scale degrees: 1-3-5-b7-9-11.

Notes

Notes:G – B – D – F – A – C

G Dominant 11th Inversions

PositionNotes
Root PositionG4 – B4 – D5 – F5 – A5 – C6
1st InversionB4 – D5 – F5 – A5 – C6 – G6
2nd InversionD4 – F4 – A4 – C5 – B5 – G5

Key Signature

The key of G Dominant 11th has 1 sharp: F♯.

F

Theory: Intervals

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

The G 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.

G Dominant 11th — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the G Dominant 11th chord?

The G Dominant 11th chord (G11) contains 6 notes: G, B, D, F, A, C. Formula: R-M3-P5-m7-M9-P11.

How is G11 used in music?

G11 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 G11?

G11 uses scale degrees 1-3-5-b7-9-11, giving it its distinctive sound.

Practice Tips

  • Start by placing your thumb on G and spacing remaining fingers across the chord.
  • Practice G11 slowly with separate hands before combining.
  • Listen carefully to the tension created by the altered tones in this chord.
  • Try voicing G11 in different octaves to find the most comfortable position.
  • Resolve G11 to a nearby chord to hear its function in context.