BbmMaj11

Q: What notes are in the BbmMaj11 chord?

The BbmMaj11 chord (Bb Minor-maj 11) contains: Bb, Db, F, A, C, Eb. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build BbmMaj11 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 BbmMaj11 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 BbmMaj11?

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.

Bb Minor-maj 11

Octaves

Musical context

ChordBb minorTriad

ChordBbmMaj11Bb Minor-maj 11

ArpeggioBb minorBroken triad

ScaleBb minor7 notes

KeyBb minorMinor key

ProgressionAndalusianSequence

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

Theory

General info

Full name: Bb Minor-maj 11
Symbol: BbmMaj11
Root: Bb
Quality: Minor-maj 11

Chord notes

1Bbroot

b3Dbminor 3rd

5Fperfect 5th

7Amajor 7th

2Cmajor 2nd

4Ebperfect 4th

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as minor tonic
Most common resolutions: FF Major EbmEb Minor AbAb Major
Unstable degrees: 7A
1Bb
resolves up to the root
Main resolution: BbmMaj11source
FF Major
Minor chord Bbm is a stable tonic in the minor key of the same root. Typical motion leads to the subdominant (iv) or dominant (V).
Other resolutions: BbmMaj11source
Deceptive resolution
GbGb Major
A minor chord can unexpectedly move to the major chord on the bVI degree — a deceptive-resolution effect.
BbmMaj11source
Modal resolution
AbAb Major
In Dorian and Aeolian modes, the minor chord is the tonic. Typical modal motion: i → bVII or i → iv.
BbmMaj11source
Jazz reharmonization
Eb7Eb 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.
BbmMaj11source
Functional resolution
EbEb Major
As the vi degree in major, a minor chord can move to IV or ii, creating subdominant motion.

Features

Character: Minor, with major 7th, 9th and 11th
Characteristic interval: Minor third (m3), Major 7th (M7), 11th
Description: A minor triad is extended by major 7th, 9th and 11th; adjacent degrees create several controlled dissonances.
Application: Film and soundtracks
Experimental jazz
Atmospheric compositions

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1Bb(Bb4)Bass

root

v2Db(Db5)m3from Bb

v3F(F5)M3from Db

v4A(A5)M3from F

v5C(C6)m3from A

v6Eb(Eb6)m3from C

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

ScaleC# Lydian augmented ScaleD# Romanian minor ScaleD# Ukrainian Dorian ScaleF Phrygian dominant ScaleF Mixolydian ♭6 ScaleA Altered (super Locrian)ScaleA# Harmonic minor ScaleA# Melodic minor ScaleC# Bebop major ScaleA# Bebop melodic minor

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how BbmMaj11 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 Chromatic scaleScale to improvise over this chord PracticeChord trainerLock the fingering into muscle memory ProgressionChord progressionsHow this chord works inside real progressions

Recommended for you

Bb Chromatic scaleA scale related to this chord

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

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

Open Trainer

Test yourself

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What notes are in the BbmMaj11 chord?

How do I build BbmMaj11 on the keyboard?

Which keys is BbmMaj11 found in?

What can I substitute for BbmMaj11?