Fmaj7#11

F Major 7#11

Octaves

Musical context

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

Theory

General info

Full name
F Major 7#11
Symbol
Fmaj7#11
Root
F
Quality
Major 7#11

Chord notes

1Froot
3Amajor 3rd
5Cperfect 5th
7Emajor 7th
#4Baug 4th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key
IVSubdominant (IV)C major
Stability / tension
Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions
Unstable degrees
7E
1F
resolves up to the root
Main resolution
Fmaj7#11source
CC Major
Major chord F is a stable tonic. As tonic it doesn't require resolution, but in a progression context typically moves to IV or V.
Other resolutions
Fmaj7#11source
Deceptive resolution
DmD Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
Fmaj7#11source
Modal resolution
EbEb Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
Fmaj7#11source
Jazz reharmonization
Fmaj7F 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).
Fmaj7#11source
Functional resolution
CC Major
As the IV degree (subdominant), a major chord can resolve to V or directly to I (plagal cadence).

Features

Character
Major, with a major 7th and #11
Characteristic interval
Major 7th (M7), Augmented 11th (#11)
Description
The major 7th preserves maj7 structure, while #11 forms a tritone with the root and avoids the close semitone clash that a perfect 11th creates with the 3rd.
Application
  • Lydian tonic
  • Modern jazz
  • Major pedal-point textures

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1F(F4)Bass
root
v2A(A4)M3from F
v3C(C5)m3from A
v4E(E5)M3from C
v5B(B5)P5from E

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how Fmaj7#11 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

CAmGEmDBmAF#mEC#mBG#mF#D#mDbBbmAbFmEbCmBbGmFDmFmajor
Relative key
Dominant
Subdominant
Key signature
1 flat (Bb)

Practice

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Frequently Asked Questions