G#7#11

G# 7#11

Octaves

Musical context

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

Theory

General info

Full name
G# 7#11
Symbol
G#7#11
Root
G#
Quality
7#11

Chord notes

1G#root
3B#major 3rd
5D#perfect 5th
b7F#minor 7th
#4Daug 4th

Functions & resolutions

Stability / tension
Stable — can serve as major tonic
Most common resolutions
Unstable degrees
4C#
b7F#
resolves down to the resolution tonic
Main resolution
G#7#11source
D#D# Major
Major chord G# is a stable tonic. As tonic it doesn't require resolution, but in a progression context typically moves to IV or V.
Other resolutions
G#7#11source
Deceptive resolution
FmF Minor
As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).
G#7#11source
Modal resolution
F#F# Major
In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.
G#7#11source
Jazz reharmonization
G#maj7G# 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).
G#7#11source
Functional resolution
D#D# 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

v1G#(G#4)Bass
root
v2B#(B#5)M3from G#
v3D#(D#5)m3from B#
v4F#(F#5)m3from D#
v5D(D6)m6from F#

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how G#7#11 looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

Highlighted major keys contain this chord among their diatonic harmonies.

CAmGEmDBmAF#mEC#mBG#mF#D#mDbBbmAbFmEbCmBbGmFDmAbmajor
Relative key
Dominant
Subdominant
Key signature
4 flats (Bb, Eb, Ab, Db)

Practice

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Frequently Asked Questions