E Minor 11th
Notes:E – G – B – D – F# – A
Formula:R-m3-P5-m7-M9-P11
Intervals:P1-m3-P5-m7-M9-P11
Scale Degrees:1-b3-5-b7-9-11
Introduction
The E Minor 11th piano chord (Em11) consists of the notes E, G, B, D, F#, A. 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
E Minor 11th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | E4 – G4 – B4 – D5 – A5 – F#5 |
| 1st Inversion | G4 – B4 – D5 – E5 – A5 – F#5 |
| 2nd Inversion | B4 – D5 – E5 – F#5 – A5 – G5 |
Key Signature
The key of E Minor 11th has 1 sharp: F♯.
F♯
Theory: Intervals
Formula: R-m3-P5-m7-M9-P11
Intervals: P1-m3-P5-m7-M9-P11
The E 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.
E Minor 11th — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the E Minor 11th chord?
Em11 contains six notes: E, G, B, D, F#, A. Practical voicing: E–G–D–F#–A. No internal clash.
How does Em11 differ from E11?
Em11 has minor third (G). E11 has major third (G#, usually omitted).
How is Em11 used in music?
Em11 is the ii in D Major and the iii in C Major. Common in folk-jazz and neo-soul.
How does Em11 differ from Em9?
Adds the eleventh (A) for warmth.
What songs use Minor 11th chords?
Neo-soul, folk-jazz, lo-fi.
Do I need to play all six notes?
Drop the fifth: E–G–D–F#–A.
Practice Tips
- No clash in minor 11ths — all notes work.
- Em11 crosses into folk-jazz and acoustic settings.
- Practice Em11 → A13 → Dmaj9.
- Loop for atmospheric neo-soul.
- Stacked fourths voicing works beautifully.
- Compare with Em9 — the eleventh adds fullness.