How to play E Add 11 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: 002100
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 1.
- Let the 6th, 5th, 2nd, 1st strings ring open.
Shape 2: xx2204
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 2.
- Press the 1st string (e) at fret 4.
- Let the 2nd string ring open.
- Don't play the 6th, 5th strings.
Shape 3: x77997 (from fret 7)
- Lay your index finger flat across the 1st to 5th strings at fret 7 (a barre).
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 9.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 9.
- 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 E Add 11
| Note | Role |
|---|---|
| E | 1 (root) |
| G♯ | 3 |
| B | 5 |
| A | 11 |
The formula for E Add 11 (add4) is 1 3 5 11: take the root, then the scale degrees listed.
When to use Eadd11
Add11 chords add the fourth above the octave to a major triad. The eleventh sits right next to the third, so the sound is open and a little crunchy.
Other E chords
E, Em, E7, Emaj7, Em7, Esus2, Esus4, E°, E+, Eadd9, E6, Eø7
Other add 11 chords on guitar
Cadd11, D♭add11, Dadd11, E♭add11, Fadd11, F♯add11, Gadd11, A♭add11, Aadd11, B♭add11, Badd11
Frequently asked questions
How do you play E Add 11 on guitar?
The easiest Eadd11 shape on guitar is 002100 (Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2. Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 1. Let the 6th, 5th, 2nd, 1st strings ring open.)
What notes are in E Add 11?
E Add 11 (Eadd11) contains the notes E G♯ B A. The formula is 1 3 5 11.
How many guitar shapes are there for Eadd11?
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 E Add 11 on ukulele, check its notes in the chord finder, or transpose a whole song with the chord transposer. Browse the full guitar chord library.