C11

Q: What notes are in the C11 chord?

The C11 chord (C 11th) contains: C, E, G, Bb, D, F. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build C11 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 C11 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 C11?

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.

C 11th

Octaves

Musical context

ChordC majorTriad

ChordC11C 11th

ArpeggioC majorBroken triad

ScaleC major7 notes

KeyC majorMajor key

ProgressionPop axisSequence

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

Theory

General info

Full name: C 11th
Symbol: C11
Root: C
Quality: 11th

Chord notes

1Croot

3Emajor 3rd

5Gperfect 5th

b7Bbminor 7th

2Dmajor 2nd

4Fperfect 4th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: VDominant (V)F major
Stability / tension: High tension — requires resolution
Most common resolutions: FF Major DmD Minor
Unstable degrees: 3E
4F
resolves up to the resolution tonic
6A
b7A#
resolves down to the tonic 3rd
3E
4F
resolves down to the 3rd
Main resolution: C11source
FF Major
Dominant 7th C7 naturally resolves up a 4th to F. It is the tritone between the chord's 3rd and 7th that creates this pull.
Other resolutions: C11source
Deceptive resolution
DmD Minor
Instead of the tonic, the dominant resolves to the vi degree. Creates surprise and is often used to extend a musical phrase.
C11source
Modal resolution
A#A# Major
In rock and blues, the dominant often moves to bVII or IV instead of the tonic, creating a modal flavor.
C11source
Jazz reharmonization
F#7F# Dominant 7
Tritone substitution: C7 can be replaced by F#7 (a tritone away). Both chords share the same tritone between the 3rd and 7th, resolving to the same tonic.
C11source
Functional resolution
Csus4C Sus4
The dominant can resolve beyond the tonic: moving to IV (subdominant) or to a suspension (sus4) are common alternatives in pop and folk music.

Substitutions

Tritone substitution: F#7F# Dominant 7

Features

Character: Dominant, with 9th and 11th
Characteristic interval: Minor 7th (b7), 11th
Description: The minor 7th preserves dominant function, while the 3rd and 11th form a semitone dissonance that is usually separated by register.
Application: Funk, soul
Jazz fusion
Rhythm guitar à la Stevie Wonder

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1C(C4)Bass

root

v2E(E4)M3from C

v3G(G4)m3from E

v4Bb(Bb4)m3from G

v5D(D5)M3from Bb

v6F(F5)m3from D

Harmony

Typical progressions: I-V-vi-IV
C—G—Am—F
Pop

Compatible scales

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

ScaleC Mixolydian ScaleC Mixolydian ♭6 ScaleD Aeolian (natural minor)ScaleE Locrian ScaleE Altered (super Locrian)ScaleF Ionian (major)ScaleF Melodic minor ScaleG Dorian ScaleA# Lydian ScaleF# Enigmatic scale

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how C11 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: AmA minor
Dominant: GG major
Subdominant: FF major
Key signature: None

What to learn next

ScaleC MixolydianScale to improvise over this chord PracticeChord trainerLock the fingering into muscle memory ProgressionChord progressionsHow this chord works inside real progressions

Recommended for you

C MixolydianA scale related to this chord

C 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

(Press any key to start)

What notes are in the C11 chord?

How do I build C11 on the keyboard?

Which keys is C11 found in?

What can I substitute for C11?

C11