Gb7#11
Gb 7#11
Octaves
Musical context
How the chord relates to the scale, mode, key and progression.
Theory
General info
- Full name
- Gb 7#11
- Symbol
- Gb7#11
- Root
- Gb
- Quality
- 7#11
Chord notes
1Gbroot
3Bbmajor 3rd
5Dbperfect 5th
b7Fbminor 7th
#4Caug 4th
Functions & resolutions
- Typical function in key
- IV
- Stability / tension
- Stable — can serve as major tonic
- Unstable degrees
- 4Bb7Eresolves down to the resolution tonic
- Main resolution
- Major chord Gb is a stable tonic. As tonic it doesn't require resolution, but in a progression context typically moves to IV or V.
- Other resolutions
- As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.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).As the IV degree (subdominant), a major chord can resolve to V or directly to I (plagal cadence).
Substitutions
- Tritone substitution
Features
- Character
- Dominant, with an augmented 11th
- Characteristic interval
- Minor 7th (b7), Augmented 11th (#11)
- Description
- The minor 7th establishes dominant function, while #11 adds a tritone against the root. The set 1–3–b7–#11 fits a Lydian dominant context.
- Application
- Lydian dominant
- Tritone substitution
- Jazz voice leading
Voicing & structure
Root position
v1Gb(Gb4)Bass
v2Bb(Bb4) M3from Gb
v3Db(Db5) m3from Bb
v4Fb(Fb5) m3from Db
v5C(C6) m6from Fb
Harmony
Compatible scales
All chord tones are contained in these scales — use them for improvisation.
This chord on guitar 🎸
See how Gb7#11 looks on guitar.
Circle of fifths
Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.
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Practice
Keyboard Trainer
Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.
Test yourself
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