The A Minor 11th chord is a six-note chord made up of A, C, E, G, B, and D. It is built from a root, minor third, perfect fifth, minor seventh, major ninth, and perfect eleventh.
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 A Minor, which shares the signature of its relative major, C Major — no sharps or flats.
Chords in the Key of A Minor
These are the triads built on each degree of the A minor scale:
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 A Minor 11th chord?
Am11 contains six notes: A, C, E, G, B, D. All white keys. Practical voicing: A–C–G–B–D. No clash.
How does Am11 differ from A11?
Am11 has minor third (C). A11 has major third (C#, usually omitted).
How is Am11 used in music?
Am11 is the ii in G Major and the vi in C Major. One of the most common m11 chords in pop, jazz, and lo-fi.
How does Am11 differ from Am9?
Adds the eleventh (D) for warmth and fullness.
What songs use Minor 11th chords?
Neo-soul, lo-fi, modern jazz. Am11 is ubiquitous.
Do I need to play all six notes?
Drop the fifth: A–C–G–B–D. All white keys.