A♭maj11 — A♭, C, E♭, G, B♭, D♭ — is a major 11th chord: stacked thirds up through the 11th — maj7 + 9th + 11th. In practice often voiced without the 3rd to avoid the avoid-note tension between the 3rd and the 11th.
Intervals
The Ab major 11 chord stacks two thirds on the root. Each interval and its size in semitones:
- Ab→Cmajor 3rd4 semitones
- C→Ebminor 3rd3 semitones
- Eb→Gmajor 3rd4 semitones
- G→Bbminor 3rd3 semitones
- Bb→Dbminor 3rd3 semitones
On the keyboard
Each note of the Ab major 11 chord highlighted on a piano. Pitch class is what matters — any octave works.
On the guitar
One voicing of the Ab major 11 chord on a six-string guitar fretboard.
- 1Ab
- 3C
- 5Eb
- 7G
- 9Bb
- 11Db
Common mistakes
The defining note is the 11th (D♭). It sits more than an octave above the root, which is why the chord needs a wide voicing — in tight piano voicings the 11th usually appears in the top register while the root and lower triad tones cluster below.
In context
Functions as an extended Imaj11 in modal jazz; the 11th is often emphasised over the 3rd for a lydian colour.
Drill it
The Ab major 11 chord is one of 48 in the Chord Trainer. Open the full trainer to practice it alongside related chords with timing and best-time tracking.
Open the Chord Trainer →Or try today's Etudle puzzleRelated
Frequently asked
- What notes are in a A♭maj11 chord?
- A♭maj11 contains six notes: A♭, C, E♭, G, B♭, D♭.
- How is A♭maj11 different from A♭maj7?
- A♭maj11 adds the 11th (D♭) on top of the underlying 7th chord. The 11th extends the chord into the next octave and adds harmonic colour.
- When is A♭maj11 used in music?
- Functions as an extended Imaj11 in modal jazz; the 11th is often emphasised over the 3rd for a lydian colour.