Construction
B Minor 11th = Root + Minor 3rd + Perfect 5th + Minor 7th + Major 2nd + Perfect 4th = B, D, F♯, A, C♯, E
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| B | Root | 1 |
| D | Minor 3rd | ♭3 |
| F♯ | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| A | Minor 7th | ♭7 |
| C♯ | Major 2nd | 9 |
| E | Perfect 4th | 11 |
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the B Minor 11th is the tonic (i) chord of B Minor, which shares the signature of its relative major, D Major: 2 sharps (F♯, C♯).
F♯C♯
Order of sharps
Sharps are added to a key signature in a fixed order. Each new sharp key adds the next sharp on the list.
F♯C♯G♯D♯A♯E♯B♯
Mnemonic: Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle
Chords in the Key of B Minor
These are the triads built on each degree of B Minor:
Scales That Include the B Minor 11th
- D Major (vi)
- A Major (ii)
- B Minor (i)
- F# Minor (iv)
- E Dorian (v)
- F# Phrygian (iv)
- G Lydian (iii)
- A Mixolydian (ii)
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes B – D – F♯ – A – C♯ – E aren’t exclusive to this chord. Depending on which note is the bass and how the chord functions, the same pitches also spell:
B Minor 11th : Frequently Asked Questions
What is the B Minor 11th chord on piano?
The B Minor 11th chord contains the notes B – D – F♯ – A – C♯ – E. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
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.