B Minor 11th
Notes:B – D – F# – A – C# – E
Formula:R-m3-P5-m7-M9-P11
Intervals:P1-m3-P5-m7-M9-P11
Scale Degrees:1-b3-5-b7-9-11
Introduction
The B Minor 11th piano chord (Bm11) consists of the notes B, D, F#, A, C#, E. It is a minor 9th chord with an added perfect 11th, giving it a dark and expansive character commonly used in jazz, funk, and soul. Formula: R-m3-P5-m7-M9-P11 | Scale degrees: 1-b3-5-b7-9-11.
Notes
B Minor 11th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | B4 – D5 – F#5 – A5 – E6 – C#6 |
| 1st Inversion | D5 – F#5 – A5 – B5 – E6 – C#6 |
| 2nd Inversion | F#5 – A5 – B5 – C#6 – D6 – E6 |
Key Signature
The key of B Minor 11th has 2 sharps: F♯, C♯.
F♯C♯
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-m3-P5-m7-M9-P11
Intervals: P1-m3-P5-m7-M9-P11
The B Minor 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.
B Minor 11th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the B Minor 11th chord?
Bm11 contains six notes: B, D, F#, A, C#, E. Practical voicing: B–D–A–C#–E. No clash.
How does Bm11 differ from B11?
Bm11 has minor third (D). B11 has major third (D#, usually omitted).
How is Bm11 used in music?
Bm11 is the ii in A Major and iii in G Major. Folk-jazz, acoustic, pop-rock.
How does Bm11 differ from Bm9?
Adds the eleventh (E) for warmth.
What songs use Minor 11th chords?
Neo-soul, folk-jazz, acoustic pop.
Do I need to play all six notes?
Drop the fifth: B–D–A–C#–E.
Practice Tips
- No clash in minor 11ths.
- Bm11 in acoustic and folk-jazz settings.
- Practice Bm11 → E13 → Amaj9.
- Loop for atmospheric groove.
- Stacked fourths voicing.
- Compare with Bm9.