Bm11

B Minor 11

Octaves

Musical context

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

Theory

General info

Full name
B Minor 11
Symbol
Bm11
Root
B
Quality
Minor 11

Chord notes

1Broot
b3Dminor 3rd
5F#perfect 5th
b7Aminor 7th
2C#major 2nd
4Eperfect 4th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key
viRelative tonic (vi)D major
Stability / tension
Stable — can serve as minor tonic
Most common resolutions
Unstable degrees
4E
b7A
resolves down to the resolution tonic
Main resolution
Bm11source
F#F# Major
Minor chord Bm is a stable tonic in the minor key of the same root. Typical motion leads to the subdominant (iv) or dominant (V).
Other resolutions
Bm11source
Deceptive resolution
GG Major
A minor chord can unexpectedly move to the major chord on the bVI degree — a deceptive-resolution effect.
Bm11source
Modal resolution
AA Major
In Dorian and Aeolian modes, the minor chord is the tonic. Typical modal motion: i → bVII or i → iv.
Bm11source
Jazz reharmonization
E7E Dominant 7
In jazz, a minor chord often serves as ii in a ii-V-I progression. Its "resolution" is the dominant a 4th up.
Bm11source
Functional resolution
EE Major
As the vi degree in major, a minor chord can move to IV or ii, creating subdominant motion.

Features

Character
Minor, with minor 7th and 11th
Characteristic interval
Minor third (m3), 11th
Description
The minor 3rd and minor 7th define a minor 7th chord, while the 9th and 11th add diatonic extensions.
Application
  • Jazz fusion
  • Lo-fi and chill
  • Atmospheric guitar

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1B(B4)Bass
root
v2D(D5)m3from B
v3F#(F#5)M3from D
v4A(A5)m3from F#
v5C#(C#6)M3from A
v6E(E6)m3from C#

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Bm11 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

CAmGEmDBmAF#mEC#mBG#mF#D#mDbBbmAbFmEbCmBbGmFDmBmajor
Relative key
Dominant
Subdominant
Key signature
5 sharps (F#, C#, G#, D#, A#)

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

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

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Frequently Asked Questions