Cmaj11 — C, E, G, B, D, F — 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 C major 11 chord stacks two thirds on the root. Each interval and its size in semitones:
- C→Emajor 3rd4 semitones
- E→Gminor 3rd3 semitones
- G→Bmajor 3rd4 semitones
- B→Dminor 3rd3 semitones
- D→Fminor 3rd3 semitones
On the keyboard
Each note of the C major 11 chord highlighted on a piano. Pitch class is what matters — any octave works.
On the guitar
One voicing of the C major 11 chord on a six-string guitar fretboard.
- 1C
- 3E
- 5G
- 7B
- 9D
- 11F
Common mistakes
The defining note is the 11th (F). 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 C 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.
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Frequently asked
- What notes are in a Cmaj11 chord?
- Cmaj11 contains six notes: C, E, G, B, D, F.
- How is Cmaj11 different from Cmaj7?
- Cmaj11 adds the 11th (F) on top of the underlying 7th chord. The 11th extends the chord into the next octave and adds harmonic colour.
- When is Cmaj11 used in music?
- Functions as an extended Imaj11 in modal jazz; the 11th is often emphasised over the 3rd for a lydian colour.