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
IVSubdominant (IV)C# major
Stability / tension
Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions
Unstable degrees
4B
b7E
resolves down to the resolution tonic
Main resolution
Gb7#11source
DbDb Major
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
Gb7#11source
Deceptive resolution
EbmEb Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
Gb7#11source
Modal resolution
EE Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
Gb7#11source
Jazz reharmonization
Gbmaj7Gb 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).
Gb7#11source
Functional resolution
DbDb Major
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
root
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.

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

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Frequently Asked Questions