Construction
C Minor 11th = Root + Minor 3rd + Perfect 5th + Minor 7th + Major 2nd + Perfect 4th = C, E♭, G, B♭, D, F
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| C | Root | 1 |
| E♭ | Minor 3rd | ♭3 |
| G | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| B♭ | Minor 7th | ♭7 |
| D | Major 2nd | 9 |
| F | Perfect 4th | 11 |
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the C Minor 11th is the tonic (i) chord of C Minor, which shares the signature of its relative major, E♭ Major: 3 flats (B♭, E♭, A♭).
B♭E♭A♭
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 C Minor
These are the triads built on each degree of C Minor:
Scales That Include the C Minor 11th
- Eb Major (vi)
- Bb Major (ii)
- G Minor (iv)
- C Minor (i)
- F Dorian (v)
- G Phrygian (iv)
- Ab Lydian (iii)
- Bb Mixolydian (ii)
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes C – E♭ – G – B♭ – D – F aren’t exclusive to this chord. Depending on which note is the bass and how the chord functions, the same pitches also spell:
C Minor 11th : Frequently Asked Questions
What is the C Minor 11th chord on piano?
The C Minor 11th chord contains the notes C – E♭ – G – B♭ – D – F. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the C Minor 11th chord?
The C Minor 11th chord (Cm11) contains six notes: C, Eb, G, Bb, D, F. It is Cm9 with an added eleventh. Unlike dominant 11ths, the minor third (Eb) does not clash with the eleventh (F), they are a whole step apart, so all notes can be played.
How does Cm11 differ from C11?
Cm11 has a minor third (Eb). C11 has a major third (E, usually omitted). Cm11 is dark, smooth, and full; C11 is dominant with a suspended quality.
How does Cm11 differ from Cm9?
Cm11 adds the eleventh (F) to Cm9. The eleventh adds warmth and fullness without the clash that occurs in major or dominant 11ths.
How is Cm11 used in music?
Cm11 is a staple of jazz, neo-soul, funk, and lo-fi. It is often used as the ii chord in Bb Major (Cm11–F13–Bbmaj9) or as a rich i chord in C minor. Its dark, full sound defines modern jazz piano.
What songs use Minor 11th chords?
Minor 11th chords are essential in neo-soul and modern jazz. Herbie Hancock, Robert Glasper, and D'Angelo use m11 voicings extensively. The So What voicing (stacked fourths) is essentially a m11 sound.
Do I need to play all six notes?
You can, but dropping the fifth gives a cleaner voicing: C–Eb–Bb–D–F. Unlike dominant 11ths, all notes work together in minor 11ths.