C#mMaj11

Q: What notes are in the C#mMaj11 chord?

The C#mMaj11 chord (C# Minor-maj 11) contains: C#, E, G#, B#, D#, F#. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build C#mMaj11 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 C#mMaj11 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 C#mMaj11?

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# Minor-maj 11

Octaves

Musical context

ChordC# minorTriad

ChordC#mMaj11C# Minor-maj 11

ArpeggioC# minorBroken triad

ScaleC# minor7 notes

KeyC# minorMinor key

ProgressionAndalusianSequence

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

Theory

General info

Full name: C# Minor-maj 11
Symbol: C#mMaj11
Root: C#
Quality: Minor-maj 11

Chord notes

1C#root

b3Eminor 3rd

5G#perfect 5th

7B#major 7th

2D#major 2nd

4F#perfect 4th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: viRelative tonic (vi)E major
Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as minor tonic
Most common resolutions: G#G# Major F#mF# Minor BB Major
Unstable degrees: 7C
1C#
resolves up to the root
Main resolution: C#mMaj11source
G#G# Major
Minor chord C#m is a stable tonic in the minor key of the same root. Typical motion leads to the subdominant (iv) or dominant (V).
Other resolutions: C#mMaj11source
Deceptive resolution
AA Major
A minor chord can unexpectedly move to the major chord on the bVI degree — a deceptive-resolution effect.
C#mMaj11source
Modal resolution
BB Major
In Dorian and Aeolian modes, the minor chord is the tonic. Typical modal motion: i → bVII or i → iv.
C#mMaj11source
Jazz reharmonization
F#7F# 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.
C#mMaj11source
Functional resolution
F#F# 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

v1C#(C#4)Bass

root

v2E(E4)m3from C#

v3G#(G#4)M3from E

v4B#(B#5)M3from G#

v5D#(D#5)m3from B#

v6F#(F#5)m3from D#

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

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

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how C#mMaj11 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: BbmBb minor
Dominant: AbAb major
Subdominant: F#F# major
Key signature: 5 flats (Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb)

What to learn next

ScaleC# 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

C# Chromatic scaleA scale related to this chord

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

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

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Test yourself

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What notes are in the C#mMaj11 chord?

How do I build C#mMaj11 on the keyboard?

Which keys is C#mMaj11 found in?

What can I substitute for C#mMaj11?