G Major 11th Chord

Formula R – 9 – 3 – 11 – 5 – 7

G Major 11th is built from the notes G, A, B, C, D, F♯. The interval from G to A is a major 2nd (2 semitones), from G to B is a major 3rd (4 semitones), from G to C is a perfect 4th (5 semitones), from G to D is a perfect 5th (7 semitones), from G to F♯ is a major 7th (11 semitones). This chord contains 1 sharped note.

The major 11th is tricky territory — the perfect 11th clashes harshly with the major 3rd. In practice, it's usually played with the 3rd removed, or the 11th is raised to ♯11 (which becomes a different chord). It's more of an atmospheric texture than a standard functional chord.

The theoretical formula is R, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, but the 11th sits a minor 9th above the 3rd — one of the most dissonant intervals. In standard harmony, the natural 11th is treated as an "avoid note" on major chords. When guitarists or arrangers want an 11th on a major chord, they almost always raise it to ♯11 (Lydian sound) or omit the 3rd entirely.

If you play this chord, you're likely either omitting the 3rd (making it a stack of 4ths) or using it as a brief passing voicing. The shape works in modal and ambient contexts where conventional rules are relaxed. Think of it as a texture rather than a functional chord.

G·RA·9B·3C·11D·5F♯·7
𝄞G (R)A (9)B (3)C (11)D (5)F♯ (7)G (R)A (9)B (3)C (11)D (5)F♯ (7)
Modal jazzAmbientProgressive rock

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