The A Dominant 7th Sharp 11 chord is a five-note chord made up of A, C♯, D♯, E, and G. It is built from a root, major third, augmented fourth, perfect fifth, and minor seventh.
Construction
A Dominant 7th Sharp 11 = Root + Major 3rd + Diminished 5th + Perfect 5th + Minor 7th = A · C♯ · D♯ · E · G
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| A | Root | 1 |
| C♯ | Major 3rd | 3 |
| D♯ | Diminished 5th | ♭5 |
| E | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| G | Minor 7th | ♭7 |
Key Signature
A dominant chord points home to the key a fifth below its root: the A Dominant 7th Sharp 11 is the V (dominant) of D Major, so the relevant key signature is that key’s — 2 sharps (F♯, C♯). Spelled as a scale, these notes are A Mixolydian.
F♯C♯
Order of sharps
Sharps are added to a key signature in a fixed order. Each new sharp key adds the next sharp on the list.
F♯C♯G♯D♯A♯E♯B♯
Mnemonic: Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle
Chords in the Key of D Major
These are the triads built on each degree of the D major scale:
A Dominant 7th Sharp 11 — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the A Dominant 7th Sharp 11 chord on piano?
The A Dominant 7th Sharp 11 chord contains the notes A – C♯ – D♯ – E – G. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the A Dominant 7th Sharp 11 chord?
A7#11 contains: A, C#, D#, E, G. Lydian Dominant sound.
How does A7#11 differ from A7?
Adds D# (the #11).
How does A7#11 differ from A11?
A11 has D (clashes with C#). A7#11 has D# which doesn't clash.
How is A7#11 used?
Lydian Dominant. Jazz, blues-jazz. Tritone sub for Eb7.
What scale matches A7#11?
A Lydian Dominant: A, B, C#, D#, E, F#, G — 4th mode of E melodic minor.
What songs use 7#11?
Modern jazz, fusion.