11th Chords Theory
Eleventh Chords, in a similar way to the ninth chords, have many permutations.
Sound of an 11th chord
This varies considerably, depending on what type of 11th chord is being played. The standard 11 (eg C11) has a degree of "suspense" feel due to the presence of the forth in the chord (more on this later).
The Eleventh Chord Notated
The "Dominant" 11 is written by the letter name of the chord, followed by the number 11. E.g. C11
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C11 notated
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Theory - how an 11th chord is constructed.
A standard (dominant) 11th chord is composed of a major (or minor) chord, with a minor seventh, and eleventh note added to this triad. Sometimes musicians also play the ninth as well.
So how do we work out the eleventh note?
F11 chord
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Let's take F11 as an example. Begin by working out the major chord, and then figure out the minor seventh , and the ninth note . This will give you F - A - C - Eb - G.
Now go back to the major chord (F - A - C) and go up one step (one semitone) from the middle note. This is Bb. Now put this note up one octave. There it is! F11
F11= F - A - C - Eb - G - Bb
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In practise, musicians rarely play all six notes of an 11th chord, unless these are specifically cited in the notation. Often the fifth note of the chord (the dominant, in the case of F11 would be C) is omitted. It is also common to omit playing the third, as there is a dissonance between the 11th note (Bb) and the third (A). However, if we do this, then we are really playing a Dsus4, all be it with a ninth present. This chord is often shown as 9sus4.
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TOP TIP:
The "add11" varient of this chord makes for an intriguing sounding. Remember that making it "add11" means that ONLY the eleventh note is added to a major (or minor) chord. For instance, Dadd11 would be D - F# - A - G. (There's no sevenths or ninths). The reason this is unusual is because both the third and the forth note are present in the chord, generally considered dissonant. However, if we play it in the form of a broken chord (say playing D - F# - A repeatedly in the left hand, and D - G in the right hand an octave higher) then we can create an interesting "suspended" feel to a musical section. |
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