C♯maj11 — 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#→E#major 3rd4 semitones
- E#→G#minor 3rd3 semitones
- G#→B#major 3rd4 semitones
- B#→D#minor 3rd3 semitones
- D#→F#minor 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 C♯maj11 chord?
- C♯maj11 contains six notes: C♯, E♯, G♯, B♯, D♯, F♯.
- How is C♯maj11 different from C♯maj7?
- C♯maj11 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 C♯maj11 used in music?
- Functions as an extended Imaj11 in modal jazz; the 11th is often emphasised over the 3rd for a lydian colour.