D Dominant 7th Sharp 11
Notes:D – F# – A – C – G#
Formula:R-M3-A4-P5-m7
Intervals:P1-M3-A4-P5-m7
Scale Degrees:1-3-#4-5-b7
Introduction
The D Dominant 7th Sharp 11 piano chord (D7\u266f11) consists of the notes D, F#, G#, A, C. It is a dominant 7th chord with an augmented (sharpened) 11th, creating a distinctive tritone clash, giving it a tense, tritone-driven character central to the Lydian Dominant sound in jazz and fusion. Formula: R-M3-A4-P5-m7 | Scale degrees: 1-3-#4-5-b7.
Notes
D Dominant 7th Sharp 11 Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | D4 – F#4 – A4 – C5 – G#5 |
| 1st Inversion | F#4 – G#4 – A4 – C5 – D5 |
| 2nd Inversion | G#4 – A4 – C5 – D5 – F#5 |
Key Signature
The key of D Dominant 7th Sharp 11 has 2 sharps: F♯, C♯.
F♯C♯
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-M3-A4-P5-m7
Intervals: P1-M3-A4-P5-m7
The D Dominant 7th Sharp 11 is built by stacking intervals from the root note. The formula R-M3-A4-P5-m7 describes the scale degrees used. The intervals P1-M3-A4-P5-m7 show the distance between each note in the chord.
D Dominant 7th Sharp 11 — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the D Dominant 7th Sharp 11 chord?
D7#11 contains: D, F#, G#, A, C. Lydian Dominant sound.
How does D7#11 differ from D7?
Adds G# (the #11). Brighter and more complex.
How does D7#11 differ from D11?
D11 has natural 11th (G) which clashes with F#. D7#11 has G# which doesn't clash.
How is D7#11 used in music?
Lydian Dominant chord. Jazz. Tritone sub for Ab7.
What scale matches D7#11?
D Lydian Dominant: D, E, F#, G#, A, B, C — 4th mode of A melodic minor.
What songs use 7#11?
Modern jazz, fusion.
Practice Tips
- Play D7 then add G# — Lydian Dominant brightness.
- The #11 doesn't clash with the third.
- D7#11 as tritone sub for Ab7.
- Lydian Dominant scale: D–E–F#–G#–A–B–C.
- Sophisticated jazz dominant.
- Practice D7#11 → G resolution.