Bbmaj11

General info

Full name

Bb Major 11

Symbol

Bbmaj11

Root

Bb

Quality

Major 11

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key

ITonic (I)Bb major

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as major tonic

Most common resolutions

EbEb MajorFF MajorGmG Minor

Unstable degrees

7A

1Bb

resolves up to the root

Main resolution

Bbmaj11source

FF Major

Major chord Bb is a stable tonic. As tonic it doesn't require resolution, but in a progression context typically moves to IV or V.

Other resolutions

Bbmaj11source

Deceptive resolution

GmG Minor

As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).

Bbmaj11source

Modal resolution

AbAb Major

In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.

Bbmaj11source

Jazz reharmonization

Bbmaj7Bb 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).

Bbmaj11source

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 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

Harmony

Compatible scales

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