How to play A Minor 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: x00010
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 1.
- Let the 5th, 4th, 3rd, 1st strings ring open.
- Don't play the 6th string.
Shape 2: 530000
- Press the 6th string (E) at fret 5.
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 3.
- Let the 4th, 3rd, 2nd, 1st strings ring open.
Shape 3: xx7788 (from fret 7)
- Lay your index finger flat across the 3rd to 4th strings at fret 7 (a barre).
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 8.
- Press the 1st string (e) at fret 8.
- Don't play the 6th, 5th strings.
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 Minor 11th
| Note | Role |
|---|---|
| A | 1 (root) |
| C | ♭3 |
| E | 5 |
| G | ♭7 |
| B | 9 |
| D | 11 |
The formula for A Minor 11th (minor eleventh) is 1 ♭3 5 ♭7 9 11: take the root, then the scale degrees listed.
When to use Am11
Minor 11th chords are deep, open and soulful, common in modal jazz, neo-soul and funk.
Other A chords
A, Am, A7, Amaj7, Am7, Asus2, Asus4, A°, A+, Aadd9, A6, Aø7
Other minor 11th chords on guitar
Cm11, C♯m11, Dm11, E♭m11, Em11, Fm11, F♯m11, Gm11, G♯m11, B♭m11, Bm11
Frequently asked questions
How do you play A Minor 11th on guitar?
The easiest Am11 shape on guitar is x00010 (Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 1. Let the 5th, 4th, 3rd, 1st strings ring open. Don't play the 6th string.)
What notes are in A Minor 11th?
A Minor 11th (Am11) 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 Am11?
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 Minor 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.