A#maj7#11

Q: What notes are in the A#maj7#11 chord?

The A#maj7#11 chord (A# Major 7#11) contains: A#, D, E#, A, E. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build A#maj7#11 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#maj7#11 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#maj7#11?

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# Major 7#11

Octaves

Musical context

ChordA# majorTriad

ChordA#maj7#11A# Major 7#11

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# Major 7#11
Symbol: A#maj7#11
Root: A#
Quality: Major 7#11

Chord notes

1A#root

3Dmajor 3rd

5E#perfect 5th

7Amajor 7th

#4Eaug 4th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: IVSubdominant (IV)F major
Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions: D#D# Major FF Major GmG Minor
Unstable degrees: 7A
1A#
resolves up to the root
Main resolution: A#maj7#11source
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#maj7#11source
Deceptive resolution
GmG Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
A#maj7#11source
Modal resolution
G#G# Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
A#maj7#11source
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#maj7#11source
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 a major 7th and #11
Characteristic interval: Major 7th (M7), Augmented 11th (#11)
Description: The major 7th preserves maj7 structure, while #11 forms a tritone with the root and avoids the close semitone clash that a perfect 11th creates with the 3rd.
Application: Lydian tonic
Modern jazz
Major pedal-point textures

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1A#(A#4)Bass

root

v2D(D5)M3from A#

v3E#(E#5)m3from D

v4A(A5)M3from E#

v5E(E6)P5from A

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

ScaleD Hirajoshi (Japanese)ScaleE Iwato (Japanese)ScaleA In (Japanese)ScaleA# Chinese scale ScaleD Aeolian (natural minor)ScaleD Harmonic minor ScaleD Hungarian minor ScaleE Locrian ScaleF Ionian (major)ScaleA Phrygian

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how A#maj7#11 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 LydianScale to improvise over this chord PracticeChord trainerLock the fingering into muscle memory ProgressionChord progressionsHow this chord works inside real progressions

Recommended for you

Bb LydianA scale related to this chord

Bb Chromatic scaleA scale related to this chord

Bb Chinese 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 A#maj7#11 chord?

How do I build A#maj7#11 on the keyboard?

Which keys is A#maj7#11 found in?

What can I substitute for A#maj7#11?