Ab Major 11th
Notes:Ab – C – Eb – G – Bb – Db
Formula:R-M3-P5-M7-M9-P11
Intervals:P1-M3-P5-M7-M9-P11
Scale Degrees:1-3-5-7-9-11
Introduction
The Ab Major 11th piano chord (Abmaj11) consists of the notes Ab, C, Eb, G, Bb, Db. 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.
Enharmonic equivalent: A♭ is enharmonically equivalent to G♯. See G# Major 11th.
Notes
Ab Major 11th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | Ab4 – C5 – Eb5 – G5 – Bb5 – Db6 |
| 1st Inversion | C5 – Eb5 – G5 – Ab5 – Bb5 – Db6 |
| 2nd Inversion | Eb5 – G5 – Ab5 – Bb5 – C6 – Db6 |
Key Signature
The key of Ab Major 11th has 4 flats: B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭.
B♭E♭A♭D♭
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-M3-P5-M7-M9-P11
Intervals: P1-M3-P5-M7-M9-P11
The Ab 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.
Ab Major 11th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the Ab Major 11th chord?
Practical voicing drops the third: Ab–Eb–G–Bb–Db. The third (C) and eleventh (Db) clash.
How does Abmaj11 differ from Ab11?
Abmaj11 has major seventh (G). Ab11 has minor seventh (Gb).
How is Abmaj11 used in music?
Contemporary jazz, R&B, film scoring. Ab is a popular key for vocalists.
How does Abmaj11 differ from Abmaj9?
Adds the eleventh (Db) 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. Ab–G–Bb–Db is clean.
Practice Tips
- Drop the third: Ab–G–Bb–Db avoids the C–Db clash.
- Abmaj11 in R&B and neo-soul adds depth.
- Compare with Ab11.
- Sustain for atmosphere.
- Ab is a favourite key for vocalists.
- Works in film scoring contexts.