Construction
G♭ Minor 11th = Root + Minor 3rd + Perfect 5th + Minor 7th + Major 2nd + Perfect 4th = G♭, B♭♭, D♭, F♭, A♭, C♭
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| G♭ | Root | 1 |
| B♭♭ | Minor 3rd | ♭3 |
| D♭ | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| F♭ | Minor 7th | ♭7 |
| A♭ | Major 2nd | 9 |
| C♭ | Perfect 4th | 11 |
Key Signature
A chord has no key signature of its own, but the G♭ Minor 11th is the tonic (i) chord of G♭ Minor, which shares the signature of its relative major, A Major: 3 sharps (F♯, C♯, G♯).
F♯C♯G♯
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 G♭ Minor
These are the triads built on each degree of G♭ Minor:
| Degree | Numeral | Chord | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | i | G♭ Minor | Minor |
| 2 | ii° | A♭ Diminished | Diminished |
| 3 | III | B♭♭ Major | Major |
| 4 | iv | C♭ Minor | Minor |
| 5 | v | D♭ Minor | Minor |
| 6 | VI | E♭♭ Major | Major |
| 7 | VII | F♭ Major | Major |
Scales That Include the G♭ Minor 11th
- A Major (vi)
- E Major (ii)
- F# Minor (i)
- C# Minor (iv)
- B Dorian (v)
- C# Phrygian (iv)
- D Lydian (iii)
- E Mixolydian (ii)
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes G♭ – B♭♭ – D♭ – F♭ – A♭ – C♭ aren’t exclusive to this chord. Depending on which note is the bass and how the chord functions, the same pitches also spell:
G♭ Minor 11th : Frequently Asked Questions
What is the G♭ Minor 11th chord on piano?
The G♭ Minor 11th chord contains the notes G♭ – B♭♭ – D♭ – F♭ – A♭ – C♭. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the Gb Minor 11th chord?
Gbm11 contains six notes: Gb, Bbb, Db, Fb, Ab, Cb. Enharmonically: Gb, A, Db, E, Ab, B. Enharmonic equivalent of F#m11.
How does Gbm11 differ from Gb11?
Gbm11 has minor third. Gb11 has major third.
How is Gbm11 used in music?
Enharmonic equivalent of F#m11, the ii in E Major.
How does Gbm11 differ from Gbm9?
Adds the eleventh for warmth.
What songs use Minor 11th chords?
Neo-soul, modern jazz.
Do I need to play all six notes?
Drop the fifth for practical voicing.