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 3 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯).
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 A Major:
Scales That Include the A Major 11th
- A Major (I)
- F# Minor (III)
- B Dorian (VII)
- C# Phrygian (VI)
- D Lydian (V)
- E 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 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.