Construction
C Major 11th = Root + Major 3rd + Perfect 5th + Major 7th + Major 2nd + Perfect 4th = C, E, G, B, D, F
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| C | Root | 1 |
| E | Major 3rd | 3 |
| G | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| B | Major 7th | 7 |
| D | Major 2nd | 9 |
| F | Perfect 4th | 11 |
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the C Major 11th is the tonic (I) chord of C Major, whose key signature has no sharps or flats.
Chords in the Key of C Major
These are the triads built on each degree of C Major:
Scales That Include the C Major 11th
- C Major (I)
- A Minor (III)
- D Dorian (VII)
- E Phrygian (VI)
- F Lydian (V)
- G Mixolydian (IV)
- A Aeolian (III)
- B Locrian (II)
C Major 11th : Frequently Asked Questions
What is the C Major 11th chord on piano?
The C Major 11th chord contains the notes C – E – G – B – D – F. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the C Major 11th chord?
The C Major 11th chord (Cmaj11) contains six notes: C, E, G, B, D, F. It is Cmaj9 with an added perfect eleventh. Like dominant 11ths, the third (E) and eleventh (F) clash, so the third is often omitted.
How does Cmaj11 differ from C11?
Cmaj11 has a major seventh (B). C11 has a minor seventh (Bb). Cmaj11 is dreamy and expansive; C11 is dominant and functional.
How does Cmaj11 differ from Cmaj9?
Cmaj11 adds the eleventh (F) to Cmaj9. The eleventh adds an open, expansive quality but clashes with the third.
How is Cmaj11 used in music?
Cmaj11 appears in contemporary jazz, film scoring, and ambient music. It is a complex tonic chord that sounds expansive and dreamy. Often voiced without the third for clarity.
What songs use Major 11th chords?
Major 11th chords appear in film scores, contemporary jazz, and ambient music. Pat Metheny, Bill Evans, and modern jazz pianists use maj11 for atmospheric, expansive tonic sounds.
Do I need to play all six notes?
No: drop the third to avoid the E–F clash. Practical voicing: C–G–B–D–F or C–B–D–F.