Dadd11

Q: What notes are in the Dadd11 chord?

The Dadd11 chord (D Add11) contains: D, F#, A, G. Its interval structure is shown above in the Theory section.

Q: How do I build Dadd11 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 Dadd11 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 Dadd11?

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.

D Add11

Octaves

Musical context

ChordD majorTriad

ChordDadd11D Add11

ArpeggioD majorBroken triad

ScaleD major7 notes

KeyD majorMajor key

ProgressionPop axisSequence

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

Theory

General info

Full name: D Add11
Symbol: Dadd11
Root: D
Quality: Add11

Chord notes

1Droot

3F#major 3rd

5Aperfect 5th

4Gperfect 4th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key: ITonic (I)D major
Stability / tension: Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions: GG Major AA Major BmB Minor
Main resolution: Dadd11source
AA Major
Major chord D is a stable tonic. As tonic it doesn't require resolution, but in a progression context typically moves to IV or V.
Other resolutions: Dadd11source
Deceptive resolution
BmB Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
Dadd11source
Modal resolution
CC Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
Dadd11source
Jazz reharmonization
Dmaj7D 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).
Dadd11source
Functional resolution
AA Major
As the IV degree (subdominant), a major chord can resolve to V or directly to I (plagal cadence).

Features

Character: Major, with an added 11th and no 7th
Characteristic interval: Perfect 11th without 7th (add11)
Description: A perfect 11th is added to a major triad without a 7th. The 3rd and 11th form a semitone dissonance that may be featured as a cluster or separated by register.
Application: Clustered major textures
Pedal sonorities
Modern popular harmony

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1D(D4)Bass

root

v2F#(F#4)M3from D

v3A(A4)m3from F#

v4G(G5)m7from A

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

ScaleD Ionian (major)ScaleD Mixolydian ScaleD Double harmonic ScaleD Byzantine ScaleD Phrygian dominant ScaleD Mixolydian ♭6 ScaleD Harmonic major ScaleF# Phrygian ScaleF# Locrian ScaleF# Neapolitan minor

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Dadd11 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

Relative key: BmB minor
Dominant: AA major
Subdominant: GG major
Key signature: 2 sharps (F#, C#)

What to learn next

ScaleD Ionian (major)Scale to improvise over this chord PracticeChord trainerLock the fingering into muscle memory ProgressionChord progressionsHow this chord works inside real progressions

Recommended for you

D Ionian (major)A scale related to this chord

D MixolydianA scale related to this chord

D Chromatic scaleA scale related to this chord

D ByzantineA 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 Dadd11 chord?

How do I build Dadd11 on the keyboard?

Which keys is Dadd11 found in?

What can I substitute for Dadd11?