11th chord

Definition

An 11th chord is a type of extended chord that includes the root, third, fifth, seventh, and eleventh scale degrees, creating a rich and complex sound. This chord can be built on major or minor triads and often functions as a dominant chord in jazz and contemporary music. Understanding the notation and recognition of 11th chords is essential for both composition and improvisation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. An 11th chord typically contains the notes of the root triad plus the seventh and eleventh, but it's common to omit the fifth in practice.
2. The eleventh is derived from the scale that starts on the root note; for example, in C11, the notes would be C-E-G-Bb-D-F.
3. In jazz, 11th chords are frequently used to create more complex harmonic textures and can be used in various voicings depending on the desired sound.
4. When writing 11th chords, it’s important to resolve the tensions created by the seventh and eleventh degrees, often leading to more stable chords.
5. Chord symbols for 11th chords are usually written as 'C11', indicating a C major root with an added 11th, while other symbols may specify omitted notes or alterations.

Review Questions

• How do you construct an 11th chord from a root note, and what are its key components?
  • To construct an 11th chord from a root note, you start with a major or minor triad and then add the seventh and the eleventh degrees. For example, if you begin with C major (C-E-G), you add B (the seventh) and F (the eleventh) to create a C11 chord. The key components are therefore the root (C), third (E), fifth (G), seventh (B), and eleventh (F).
• Discuss how 11th chords function in jazz music and their role in harmonic progression.
  • In jazz music, 11th chords serve as important harmonic tools that add depth and complexity to progressions. They often function as dominant chords that create tension before resolving to a tonic chord. Musicians utilize various voicings of 11th chords to enhance their improvisation and composition, making them integral to the jazz harmonic language. The presence of both the seventh and eleventh degrees provides rich dissonance that is characteristic of jazz harmony.
• Evaluate how understanding 11th chords can enhance your ability to compose and improvise music across different genres.
  • Understanding 11th chords significantly enhances composition and improvisation skills by introducing richer harmonic options that can elevate musical expression. Composers can leverage these chords to create tension and resolution in their works, while improvisers can use them to add complexity to their solos. The versatility of 11th chords allows musicians to explore various styles—such as jazz, pop, and fusion—thereby expanding their harmonic vocabulary. Mastering these concepts leads to more innovative and engaging musical creations.

Related terms

Extended Chord: A chord that adds additional notes beyond the seventh, typically including the ninth, eleventh, and thirteenth degrees of the scale.

Dominant Seventh Chord: A four-note chord consisting of a root, major third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh, often used to create tension leading to resolution.

Chord Symbol: A symbolic representation of a chord that indicates its root note and qualities, often including additional extensions like ninths, elevenths, or thirteenths.