Cmaj11

General info

Full name

C Major 11

Symbol

Cmaj11

Root

C

Quality

Major 11

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key

ITonic (I)C major

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as major tonic

Most common resolutions

FF MajorGG MajorAmA Minor

Unstable degrees

7B

1C

resolves up to the root

Main resolution

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GG Major

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

Other resolutions

Cmaj11source

Deceptive resolution

AmA Minor

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

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Modal resolution

A#A# Major

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

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Jazz reharmonization

Cmaj7C 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).

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Functional resolution

GG 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

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.