The B Dominant 7th Sharp 11 chord is a five-note chord made up of B, D♯, E♯, F♯, and A. It is built from a root, major third, augmented fourth, perfect fifth, and minor seventh.
Construction
B Dominant 7th Sharp 11 = Root + Major 3rd + Diminished 5th + Perfect 5th + Minor 7th = B · D♯ · E♯ · F♯ · A
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| B | Root | 1 |
| D♯ | Major 3rd | 3 |
| E♯ | Diminished 5th | ♭5 |
| F♯ | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| A | Minor 7th | ♭7 |
Key Signature
A dominant chord points home to the key a fifth below its root: the B Dominant 7th Sharp 11 is the V (dominant) of E Major, so the relevant key signature is that key’s — 4 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯). Spelled as a scale, these notes are B Mixolydian.
F♯C♯G♯D♯
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 E Major
These are the triads built on each degree of the E major scale:
B Dominant 7th Sharp 11 — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the B Dominant 7th Sharp 11 chord on piano?
The B Dominant 7th Sharp 11 chord contains the notes B – D♯ – E♯ – F♯ – A. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the B Dominant 7th Sharp 11 chord?
B7#11 contains: B, D#, E#, F#, A. Lydian Dominant sound.
How does B7#11 differ from B7?
Adds E# (the #11, enharmonically F).
How does B7#11 differ from B11?
B11 has E (clashes with D#). B7#11 has E# which doesn't clash.
How is B7#11 used?
Lydian Dominant. Jazz. Tritone sub for F7.
What scale matches B7#11?
B Lydian Dominant — 4th mode of F# melodic minor.
What songs use 7#11?
Modern jazz, fusion.