A#add11

Q: What notes are in the A#add11 chord?

The A#add11 chord (A# Add11) contains: A#, D, E#, D#. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build A#add11 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 A#add11 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 A#add11?

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

ChordA#add11A# 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: A#add11
Root: A#
Quality: Add11

Chord notes

1A#root

3Dmajor 3rd

5E#perfect 5th

4D#perfect 4th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: VDominant (V)Eb major
Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions: D#D# Major FF Major GmG Minor
Main resolution: A#add11source
FF 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: A#add11source
Deceptive resolution
GmG Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
A#add11source
Modal resolution
G#G# Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
A#add11source
Jazz reharmonization
A#maj7A# 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).
A#add11source
Functional resolution
FF 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#(A#4)Bass

root

v2D(D5)M3from A#

v3E#(E#5)m3from D

v4D#(D#6)m7from E#

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

ScaleD Phrygian ScaleD Locrian ScaleD Neapolitan minor ScaleD 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 A#add11 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: GmG minor
Dominant: FF major
Subdominant: EbEb major
Key signature: 2 flats (Bb, Eb)

What to learn next

ScaleBb 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

Bb Ionian (major)A scale related to this chord

Bb MixolydianA scale related to this chord

Bb Chromatic scaleA scale related to this chord

Bb ByzantineA 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 A#add11 chord?

How do I build A#add11 on the keyboard?

Which keys is A#add11 found in?

What can I substitute for A#add11?