Construction
A♭ Major 11th = Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th + Major 7th + Major 2nd + Perfect 4th = A♭, C, E♭, G, B♭, D♭
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| A♭ | Root | 1 |
| C | Major 3rd | 3 |
| E♭ | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| G | Major 7th | 7 |
| B♭ | Major 2nd | 9 |
| D♭ | Perfect 4th | 11 |
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the A♭ Major 11th is the tonic (I) chord of A♭ Major, whose key signature has 4 flats (B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭).
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 A♭ Major:
Scales That Include the A♭ Major 11th
- Ab Major (I)
- F Minor (III)
- Bb Dorian (VII)
- C Phrygian (VI)
- Db Lydian (V)
- Eb Mixolydian (IV)
- F Aeolian (III)
- G Locrian (II)
A♭ Major 11th : Frequently Asked Questions
What is the A♭ Major 11th chord on piano?
The A♭ Major 11th chord contains the notes A♭ – C – E♭ – G – B♭ – D♭. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
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.