The E♭ Dominant 7th Sharp 11 chord is a five-note chord made up of E♭, G, A, B♭, and D♭. It is built from a root, major third, augmented fourth, perfect fifth, and minor seventh.
Construction
E♭ Dominant 7th Sharp 11 = Root + Major 3rd + Diminished 5th + Perfect 5th + Minor 7th = E♭ · G · A · B♭ · D♭
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| E♭ | Root | 1 |
| G | Major 3rd | 3 |
| A | Diminished 5th | ♭5 |
| B♭ | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| D♭ | Minor 7th | ♭7 |
Key Signature
A dominant chord points home to the key a fifth below its root: the E♭ Dominant 7th Sharp 11 is the V (dominant) of Ab Major, so the relevant key signature is that key’s — 4 flats (B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭). Spelled as a scale, these notes are Eb Mixolydian.
B♭E♭A♭D♭
Order of flats
Flats are added in a fixed order — the reverse of the sharp order. Each new flat key adds the next flat on the list.
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭C♭F♭
Mnemonic: Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles’ Father
Chords in the Key of A♭ Major
These are the triads built on each degree of the A♭ major scale:
E♭ Dominant 7th Sharp 11 — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the E♭ Dominant 7th Sharp 11 chord on piano?
The E♭ Dominant 7th Sharp 11 chord contains the notes E♭ – G – A – B♭ – D♭. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the Eb Dominant 7th Sharp 11 chord?
Eb7#11 contains: Eb, G, A, Bb, Db. Lydian Dominant sound.
How does Eb7#11 differ from Eb7?
Adds A (the #11). Brighter and more complex.
How does Eb7#11 differ from Eb11?
Eb11 has Ab (natural 11th, clashes with G). Eb7#11 has A which doesn't clash.
How is Eb7#11 used in music?
Lydian Dominant. Jazz. Tritone sub for A7.
What scale matches Eb7#11?
Eb Lydian Dominant: Eb, F, G, A, Bb, C, Db — 4th mode of Bb melodic minor.
What songs use 7#11?
Modern jazz, fusion.