How to play A Dominant 11th on guitar
These shapes are for standard tuning (E A D G B E). The first is the easiest, and the others sit in different positions on the neck. Playing in another tuning? Pick it above the diagrams and the shapes are redrawn for it.
Shape 1: x00000
- Let the 5th, 4th, 3rd, 2nd, 1st strings ring open.
- Don't play the 6th string.
Shape 2: 500000
- Press the 6th string (E) at fret 5.
- Let the 5th, 4th, 3rd, 2nd, 1st strings ring open.
Shape 3: x00003
- Press the 1st string (e) at fret 3.
- Let the 5th, 4th, 3rd, 2nd strings ring open.
- Don't play the 6th string.
The numbers in the shape name list the fret for each string from the lowest (thickest) to the highest, with x meaning that string is not played and 0 meaning it rings open.
Notes in A Dominant 11th
| Note | Role |
|---|---|
| A | 1 (root) |
| C♯ | 3 |
| E | 5 |
| G | ♭7 |
| B | 9 |
| D | 11 |
The formula for A Dominant 11th (eleventh chord) is 1 3 5 ♭7 9 11: take the root, then the scale degrees listed.
When to use A11
Dominant 11th chords are open and suspended, because the fourth clashes with the major third and the third is usually left out. Think gospel, funk and modal vamps.
Other A chords
A, Am, A7, Amaj7, Am7, Asus2, Asus4, A°, A+, Aadd9, A6, Aø7
Other dominant 11th chords on guitar
C11, D♭11, D11, E♭11, E11, F11, F♯11, G11, A♭11, B♭11, B11
Frequently asked questions
How do you play A Dominant 11th on guitar?
The easiest A11 shape on guitar is x00000 (Let the 5th, 4th, 3rd, 2nd, 1st strings ring open. Don't play the 6th string.)
What notes are in A Dominant 11th?
A Dominant 11th (A11) contains the notes A C♯ E G B D. The formula is 1 3 5 ♭7 9 11.
How many guitar shapes are there for A11?
There are many. This page shows 3 common ones at different positions, easiest first. Moving a barre shape up the neck gives the same chord type on other roots.
See A Dominant 11th on ukulele, check its notes in the chord finder, or transpose a whole song with the chord transposer. Browse the full guitar chord library.