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 A Major, so the relevant key signature is that key’s — 3 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯). Spelled as a scale, these notes are E Mixolydian.
F♯C♯G♯
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 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 E Dominant 7th Sharp 11 chord?
E7#11 contains: E, G#, A#, B, D. Lydian Dominant sound.
How does E7#11 differ from E7?
Adds A# (the #11). Brighter and more complex.
How does E7#11 differ from E11?
E11 has A (clashes with G#). E7#11 has A# which doesn't clash.
How is E7#11 used in music?
Lydian Dominant. Jazz, blues-jazz fusion. Tritone sub for Bb7.
What scale matches E7#11?
E Lydian Dominant: E, F#, G#, A#, B, C#, D — 4th mode of B melodic minor.
What songs use 7#11?
Modern jazz, fusion.