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