Guitar Chord Dictionary: C Dominant Seventh Sharp Eleventh Added Chords
Welcome to our tutorial on the C 7(#11) chord. This chord belongs to the family of Dominant Chords, and is composed of the notes C, E, G, Bb, and F#. The intervals that build this chord are 1, 3, 5, b7, and #11, making it a rich and complex sound that can add depth to your music.
The complete names of the music intervals that make up the C 7(#11) chord, are the Root, Major Third, Perfect Fifth, Minor Seventh, and Augmented Fourth. If you're not yet familiar with these terms, we recommend checking out our tutorial on fretboard intervals and our guide on how to denote chords depending on the intervals that compose them.
This chord is not a beginner's chord, but rather one that requires some understanding of guitar music theory and chord construction. If you're ready to take your playing to the next level, learning the C 7(#11) chord can be a great step in that direction.
In this tutorial, we'll be providing you with chord diagrams and fretboard patterns showing the tones composing the chord, making it easier for you to visualize and understand. We'll also be discussing how this chord can be used in various musical contexts, including jazz chord progressions.
So grab your guitar and get ready to dive into the world of dominant chords with the C 7(#11)!
Notes of the C 7(#11) chord:
How to create the Dominant Seventh Sharp Eleventh Added chord:
C7(#11) Guitar Chord Voicings
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You can also use this accessible chords page with written diagrams instruction.
Position 1
Movable
Position 2
Movable
Position 3
Barre
Movable
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FAQ
What are the specific notes that form a C7#11 chord?
The C7#11 chord is comprised of five distinct notes: C (root), E (major third), G (perfect fifth), Bb (minor seventh), and F# (augmented fourth, which is the #11 interval).
What musical intervals define the C7#11 chord?
This chord is built from the Root (1), Major Third (3), Perfect Fifth (5), Minor Seventh (b7), and an Augmented Fourth (#11). These specific intervals are what create its characteristic rich and complex sound.
Why is the C7#11 classified as a dominant chord?
The C7#11 is part of the dominant chord family because it contains the essential components of a dominant seventh chord: the Root (1), Major Third (3), and Minor Seventh (b7). The #11 is an extension that adds color to this dominant foundation without changing its fundamental dominant function.
What does the '#11' in the C7#11 chord name signify?
The '#11' indicates an augmented eleventh interval from the root. For a C7#11, this means adding an F# note to the chord. This F# is an augmented fourth relative to C, and it's called an #11 because it's typically understood as an upper extension in music theory.
How does a C7#11 chord differ from a regular C7 chord?
A regular C7 chord consists of the root, major third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh (C, E, G, Bb). The C7#11 chord includes all these notes but adds one more: the augmented eleventh (F#). This additional note provides a unique, more complex, and often 'jazzy' flavor.
In what musical contexts is the C7#11 chord typically used?
Due to its rich and complex sound, the C7#11 chord is frequently found in jazz music and other sophisticated genres. It's often employed within dominant chord progressions to add color, tension, and a specific harmonic texture, especially before a resolution.
Why is the C7#11 chord considered advanced and not suitable for beginners?
This chord is not for beginners because it requires a solid foundational understanding of music theory concepts, including intervals, chord construction, and how dominant chords with extensions function. Its unique altered extension makes it more challenging to grasp and apply correctly compared to basic open or barre chords.