Abmaj11

Q: What notes are in the Abmaj11 chord?

The Abmaj11 chord (Ab Major 11) contains: Ab, C, Eb, G, Bb, Db. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Abmaj11 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 Abmaj11 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 Abmaj11?

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.

Ab Major 11

Octaves

Musical context

ChordAb majorTriad

ChordAbmaj11Ab Major 11

ArpeggioAb majorBroken triad

ScaleAb major7 notes

KeyAb majorMajor key

ProgressionPop axisSequence

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

Theory

General info

Full name: Ab Major 11
Symbol: Abmaj11
Root: Ab
Quality: Major 11

Chord notes

1Abroot

3Cmajor 3rd

5Ebperfect 5th

7Gmajor 7th

2Bbmajor 2nd

4Dbperfect 4th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: ITonic (I)Ab major
Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions: DbDb Major EbEb Major FmF Minor
Unstable degrees: 7G
1Ab
resolves up to the root
Main resolution: Abmaj11source
EbEb Major
Major chord Ab is a stable tonic. As tonic it doesn't require resolution, but in a progression context typically moves to IV or V.
Other resolutions: Abmaj11source
Deceptive resolution
FmF Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
Abmaj11source
Modal resolution
GbGb Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
Abmaj11source
Jazz reharmonization
Abmaj7Ab 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).
Abmaj11source
Functional resolution
EbEb Major
As the IV degree (subdominant), a major chord can resolve to V or directly to I (plagal cadence).

Features

Character: Major, with major 7th and 11th
Characteristic interval: Major 7th (M7), 11th
Description: The major 7th and 11th extend the major triad; the 3rd and 11th form a semitone dissonance.
Application: Neo-soul, modern jazz
Pads and sustained textures
Pop ballads with chord extensions

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1Ab(Ab4)Bass

root

v2C(C5)M3from Ab

v3Eb(Eb5)m3from C

v4G(G5)M3from Eb

v5Bb(Bb5)m3from G

v6Db(Db6)m3from Bb

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

ScaleC Phrygian ScaleC# Lydian ScaleD# Mixolydian ScaleG Locrian ScaleG# Ionian (major)ScaleG# Harmonic major ScaleA# Dorian ScaleF Aeolian (natural minor)ScaleD# Bebop dominant ScaleD# Bebop minor

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Abmaj11 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: FmF minor
Dominant: EbEb major
Subdominant: DbDb major
Key signature: 4 flats (Bb, Eb, Ab, Db)

What to learn next

ScaleAb 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

Ab Ionian (major)A scale related to this chord

Ab Chromatic scaleA scale related to this chord

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

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

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Test yourself

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What notes are in the Abmaj11 chord?

How do I build Abmaj11 on the keyboard?

Which keys is Abmaj11 found in?

What can I substitute for Abmaj11?