E 11th Chord

– – – – –

Formula R – 9 – 3 – 11 – 5 – ♭7

Summary

E 11th is built from the notes E, G♭, A♭, A, B, D. The interval from E to G♭ is a major 2nd (2 semitones), from E to A♭ is a major 3rd (4 semitones), from E to A is a perfect 4th (5 semitones), from E to B is a perfect 5th (7 semitones), from E to D is a minor 7th (10 semitones). This chord contains 2 flatted notes.

The 11th chord is a massive, harmonically rich dominant extension. In practice, the major 3rd is almost always dropped because it clashes with the 11th — making it sound and play a lot like a 9sus4. It's a big, open, soulful chord.

Theory

The theoretical formula is R, 3, 5, ♭7, 9, 11, but the perfect 11th creates a harsh clash against the major 3rd. So in practice, the 3rd is omitted, leaving R, 5, ♭7, 9, 11 — which is functionally a 7sus4 with an added 9th. This gives the chord its characteristic open, ambiguous quality.

On the guitar

On guitar, think of it as a 9sus4 voicing — play a 7sus4 shape and add the 9th where possible. The 5th and sometimes even the root can be dropped if a bassist is covering it. These voicings tend to use stacked fourths, which sit naturally under the fingers on adjacent strings.

Advanced

The dominant 11th is a staple of soul and jazz arranging. Its open, spacious sound makes it perfect for sustained pads and vamps. In modal jazz, 11th-type voicings can sustain entire sections without resolving, creating a floating, atmospheric feel.

Piano