Gb Major 11th
Notes:Gb – Bb – Db – F – Ab – B
Formula:R-M3-P5-M7-M9-P11
Intervals:P1-M3-P5-M7-M9-P11
Scale Degrees:1-3-5-7-9-11
Introduction
The Gb Major 11th piano chord (Gbmaj11) consists of the notes Gb, Bb, Db, F, Ab, B. 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: G♭ is enharmonically equivalent to F♯. See F# Major 11th.
Notes
Gb Major 11th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | Gb4 – Bb4 – Db5 – F5 – B5 – Ab5 |
| 1st Inversion | Bb4 – Db5 – F5 – Gb5 – B5 – Ab5 |
| 2nd Inversion | Db5 – F5 – Gb5 – Ab5 – B5 – Bb5 |
Key Signature
The key of Gb Major 11th has 6 flats: B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, G♭, C♭.
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭C♭
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-M3-P5-M7-M9-P11
Intervals: P1-M3-P5-M7-M9-P11
The Gb 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.
Gb Major 11th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the Gb Major 11th chord?
Practical voicing drops the third: Gb–Db–F–Ab–Cb. The third (Bb) and eleventh (Cb) clash.
How does Gbmaj11 differ from Gb11?
Gbmaj11 has major seventh (F). Gb11 has minor seventh (Fb/E).
How is Gbmaj11 used in music?
Contemporary jazz, film scoring. Enharmonic equivalent F#maj11 is more common.
How does Gbmaj11 differ from Gbmaj9?
Adds the eleventh (Cb) for expansive quality.
What songs use Major 11th chords?
Film scores, contemporary jazz, ambient music.
Do I need to play all six notes?
No — drop the third. Gb–F–Ab–Cb is clean.
Practice Tips
- Drop the third: Gb–F–Ab–Cb avoids the Bb–Cb clash.
- Gbmaj11 and F#maj11 are enharmonic.
- Cinematic, expansive quality.
- Sustain with pedal for atmosphere.
- Spread across two hands.
- Mostly black keys — distinctive physical shape.