A Major 11th
Notes:A – C# – E – G# – B – D
Formula:R-M3-P5-M7-M9-P11
Intervals:P1-M3-P5-M7-M9-P11
Scale Degrees:1-3-5-7-9-11
Introduction
The A Major 11th piano chord (Amaj11) consists of the notes A, C#, E, G#, B, D. It is a major 9th chord with an added perfect 11th, giving it a bright, expansive character with a dreamy quality found in jazz and contemporary classical music. Formula: R-M3-P5-M7-M9-P11 | Scale degrees: 1-3-5-7-9-11.
Notes
A Major 11th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | A4 – C#5 – E5 – G#5 – B5 – D6 |
| 1st Inversion | C#5 – E5 – G#5 – A5 – B5 – D6 |
| 2nd Inversion | E5 – G#5 – A5 – B5 – D6 – C#6 |
Key Signature
The key of A Major 11th has 3 sharps: F♯, C♯, G♯.
F♯C♯G♯
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-M3-P5-M7-M9-P11
Intervals: P1-M3-P5-M7-M9-P11
The A Major 11th is built by stacking intervals from the root note. The formula R-M3-P5-M7-M9-P11 describes the scale degrees used. The intervals P1-M3-P5-M7-M9-P11 show the distance between each note in the chord.
A Major 11th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the A Major 11th chord?
Practical voicing drops the third: A–E–G#–B–D. The third (C#) and eleventh (D) clash.
How does Amaj11 differ from A11?
Amaj11 has major seventh (G#). A11 has minor seventh (G).
How is Amaj11 used in music?
Contemporary jazz, acoustic music, film scoring.
How does Amaj11 differ from Amaj9?
Adds the eleventh (D) for expansive quality.
What songs use Major 11th chords?
Film scores, contemporary jazz, ambient.
Do I need to play all six notes?
No — drop the third. A–G#–B–D is clean.
Practice Tips
- Drop the third: A–G#–B–D avoids the C#–D clash.
- Amaj11 in acoustic jazz adds expansive colour.
- Compare with A11.
- Sustain for atmosphere.
- Spread across two hands.
- Works in folk-jazz and worship settings.