Construction
A♭ Minor 11th = Root + Minor 3rd + Perfect 5th + Minor 7th + Major 2nd + Perfect 4th = A♭, C♭, E♭, G♭, B♭, D♭
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| A♭ | Root | 1 |
| C♭ | Minor 3rd | ♭3 |
| E♭ | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| G♭ | Minor 7th | ♭7 |
| B♭ | Major 2nd | 9 |
| D♭ | Perfect 4th | 11 |
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the A♭ Minor 11th is the tonic (i) chord of Ab Minor, which shares the signature of its relative major, Cb Major — 7 flats (B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, G♭, C♭, F♭).
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭C♭F♭
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♭ Minor 11th
These are the triads built on each degree of the A♭ Minor 11th:
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes A♭ – C♭ – E♭ – G♭ – B♭ – D♭ aren’t exclusive to this chord. Depending on which note is the bass and how the chord functions, the same pitches also spell:
A♭ Minor 11th : Frequently Asked Questions
What is the A♭ Minor 11th chord on piano?
The A♭ Minor 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 Minor 11th chord?
Abm11 contains six notes: Ab, Cb, Eb, Gb, Bb, Db. Practical voicing: Ab–Cb–Gb–Bb–Db. No clash.
How does Abm11 differ from Ab11?
Abm11 has minor third (Cb). Ab11 has major third (C, usually omitted).
How is Abm11 used in music?
Abm11 is the ii in Gb Major. Jazz, neo-soul, R&B.
How does Abm11 differ from Abm9?
Adds the eleventh (Db) for warmth.
What songs use Minor 11th chords?
Neo-soul, modern jazz.
Do I need to play all six notes?
Drop the fifth: Ab–Cb–Gb–Bb–Db.