Aadd11

Q: What notes are in the Aadd11 chord?

The Aadd11 chord (A Add11) contains: A, C#, E, D. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Aadd11 on the keyboard?

Take the root and add the remaining chord tones following the interval formula. The highlight shows chord content, while the inversion control changes which chord tone is in the bass.

Q: Which keys is Aadd11 found in?

The chord acts as a diatonic degree in several keys — they are marked on the circle of fifths in the "Harmonic context" block.

Q: What can I substitute for Aadd11?

A substitution depends on harmonic function and voice leading, not only on shared tones. Computed options appear in the "Substitutions" block and should be checked in context.

A Add11

Octaves

Musical context

ChordA majorTriad

ChordAadd11A Add11

ArpeggioA majorBroken triad

ScaleA major7 notes

KeyA majorMajor key

ProgressionPop axisSequence

How the chord relates to the scale, mode, key and progression.

Theory

General info

Full name: A Add11
Symbol: Aadd11
Root: A
Quality: Add11

Chord notes

1Aroot

3C#major 3rd

5Eperfect 5th

4Dperfect 4th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: VDominant (V)D major
Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions: DD Major EE Major F#mF# Minor
Main resolution: Aadd11source
EE Major
Major chord A is a stable tonic. As tonic it doesn't require resolution, but in a progression context typically moves to IV or V.
Other resolutions: Aadd11source
Deceptive resolution
F#mF# Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
Aadd11source
Modal resolution
GG Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
Aadd11source
Jazz reharmonization
Amaj7A Major 7
In jazz, a major chord is enriched to maj7, 6/9, or add9 and can smoothly transition into a ii-V of another key (modulation).
Aadd11source
Functional resolution
EE Major
As the IV degree (subdominant), a major chord can resolve to V or directly to I (plagal cadence).

Features

Character: Major, with an added 11th and no 7th
Characteristic interval: Perfect 11th without 7th (add11)
Description: A perfect 11th is added to a major triad without a 7th. The 3rd and 11th form a semitone dissonance that may be featured as a cluster or separated by register.
Application: Clustered major textures
Pedal sonorities
Modern popular harmony

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1A(A4)Bass

root

v2C#(C#5)M3from A

v3E(E5)m3from C#

v4D(D6)m7from E

Harmony

Compatible scales

All chord tones are contained in these scales — use them for improvisation.

ScaleC# Phrygian ScaleC# Locrian ScaleC# Neapolitan minor ScaleC# Altered (super Locrian)ScaleD Ionian (major)ScaleD Lydian ScaleD Harmonic minor ScaleD Melodic minor ScaleD Hungarian minor ScaleD Harmonic major

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Aadd11 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: F#mF# minor
Dominant: EE major
Subdominant: DD major
Key signature: 3 sharps (F#, C#, G#)

What to learn next

ScaleA Ionian (major)Scale to improvise over this chord PracticeChord trainerLock the fingering into muscle memory ProgressionChord progressionsHow this chord works inside real progressions

Recommended for you

A Ionian (major)A scale related to this chord

A MixolydianA scale related to this chord

A Chromatic scaleA scale related to this chord

A ByzantineA scale related to this chord

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.

Open Trainer

Test yourself

(Press any key to start)

What notes are in the Aadd11 chord?

How do I build Aadd11 on the keyboard?

Which keys is Aadd11 found in?

What can I substitute for Aadd11?