The D Dominant 7th Sharp 11 chord is a five-note chord made up of D, F♯, G♯, A, and C. It is built from a root, major third, augmented fourth, perfect fifth, and minor seventh.
Construction
D Dominant 7th Sharp 11 = Root + Major 3rd + Diminished 5th + Perfect 5th + Minor 7th = D · F♯ · G♯ · A · C
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| D | Root | 1 |
| F♯ | Major 3rd | 3 |
| G♯ | Diminished 5th | ♭5 |
| A | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| C | Minor 7th | ♭7 |
Key Signature
A dominant chord points home to the key a fifth below its root: the D Dominant 7th Sharp 11 is the V (dominant) of G Major, so the relevant key signature is that key’s — 1 sharp (F♯). Spelled as a scale, these notes are D Mixolydian.
F♯
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 G Major
These are the triads built on each degree of the G major scale:
D Dominant 7th Sharp 11 — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the D Dominant 7th Sharp 11 chord on piano?
The D Dominant 7th Sharp 11 chord contains the notes D – F♯ – G♯ – A – C. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
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.