G#m11

G# Minor 11

Octaves

Musical context

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

Theory

General info

Full name
G# Minor 11
Symbol
G#m11
Root
G#
Quality
Minor 11

Chord notes

1G#root
b3Bminor 3rd
5D#perfect 5th
b7F#minor 7th
2A#major 2nd
4C#perfect 4th

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key
iiSubdominant (ii)F# major
Stability / tension
Stable — can serve as minor tonic
Most common resolutions
Unstable degrees
4C#
b7F#
resolves down to the resolution tonic
Main resolution
G#m11source
D#D# Major
Minor chord G#m is a stable tonic in the minor key of the same root. Typical motion leads to the subdominant (iv) or dominant (V).
Other resolutions
G#m11source
Deceptive resolution
EE Major
A minor chord can unexpectedly move to the major chord on the bVI degree — a deceptive-resolution effect.
G#m11source
Modal resolution
F#F# Major
In Dorian and Aeolian modes, the minor chord is the tonic. Typical modal motion: i → bVII or i → iv.
G#m11source
Jazz reharmonization
C#7C# Dominant 7
In jazz, a minor chord often serves as ii in a ii-V-I progression. Its "resolution" is the dominant a 4th up.
G#m11source
Functional resolution
C#C# Major
As the vi degree in major, a minor chord can move to IV or ii, creating subdominant motion.

Features

Character
Minor, with minor 7th and 11th
Characteristic interval
Minor third (m3), 11th
Description
The minor 3rd and minor 7th define a minor 7th chord, while the 9th and 11th add diatonic extensions.
Application
  • Jazz fusion
  • Lo-fi and chill
  • Atmospheric guitar

Voicing & structure

Root position

v1G#(G#4)Bass
root
v2B(B4)m3from G#
v3D#(D#5)M3from B
v4F#(F#5)m3from D#
v5A#(A#5)M3from F#
v6C#(C#6)m3from A#

Harmony

Compatible scales

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

This chord on guitar 🎸

See how G#m11 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

Keyboard Trainer

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Frequently Asked Questions