F#m(add11)

F# Minor Add11

Octaves

Musical context

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

Theory

General info

Full name
F# Minor Add11
Symbol
F#m(add11)
Root
F#
Quality
Minor Add11

Chord notes

1F#root
b3Aminor 3rd
5C#perfect 5th
4Bperfect 4th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key
iiiMediant (iii)D major
Stability / tension
Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions
Main resolution
F#m(add11)source
C#C# 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
F#m(add11)source
Deceptive resolution
D#mD# Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
F#m(add11)source
Modal resolution
EE Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
F#m(add11)source
Jazz reharmonization
F#maj7F# 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).
F#m(add11)source
Functional resolution
C#C# Major
As the IV degree (subdominant), a major chord can resolve to V or directly to I (plagal cadence).

Features

Character
Minor, with an added 11th and no 7th
Characteristic interval
Minor 3rd (m3), Perfect 11th without 7th (add11)
Description
The minor 3rd defines minor quality, while the perfect 11th adds a quartal extension without a 7th. b3 and 11 remain a whole tone apart.
Application
  • Minor pedal textures
  • Pop and alternative music
  • Arpeggiated sonorities

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1F#(F#4)Bass
root
v2A(A4)m3from F#
v3C#(C#5)M3from A
v4B(B5)m7from C#

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how F#m(add11) looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

CAmGEmDBmAF#mEC#mBG#mF#D#mDbBbmAbFmEbCmBbGmFDmF#major
Relative key
Dominant
Subdominant
Key signature
6 sharps (F#, C#, G#, D#, A#, E#)

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

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

Open Trainer

Test yourself

(Press any key to start)

Frequently Asked Questions