The A11 guitar chord is an extension of the A7 chord that adds a rich, jazzy flavor to your playing. It’s commonly used in jazz, blues, and funk genres, giving your music a more complex and sophisticated sound. The A11 chord is formed by adding additional notes to the basic A7 chord, specifically the 11th note (which is D in the key of A). In this guide, we’ll walk through how to play the A11 chord, its variations, and tips for using it in your guitar playing.
What is the A11 Guitar Chord?
The A11 chord is essentially an A dominant 7th chord with the 11th added to it. In other words, it’s an A7 chord with the D note (the 11th in the key of A) included, which gives it a more colorful, extended sound. The structure of the A11 chord is as follows:
- A (Root)
- C# (Major 3rd)
- E (Perfect 5th)
- G (Minor 7th)
- D (11th)
In the context of jazz and blues, the A11 chord can create tension and release, making it very useful in progressions and improvisation.
How to Play the A11 Guitar Chord
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to play the A11 chord on the guitar:
Open Position A11 Chord (Common Voicing)
- Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string (D).
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 2nd string (B).
- Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the 1st string (high E).
- Do not play the 6th string (low E).
- Strum from the 5th string (A) down to the 1st string, making sure all notes ring clearly.
This voicing includes the A (root), C# (major 3rd), and G (minor 7th) with the D (11th) on the open 4th string.
Barre Chord A11 Chord (Higher Position)
To play the A11 chord in a higher position, follow these steps:
- Barre your index finger across all strings on the 5th fret (a barre chord).
- Place your ring finger on the 7th fret of the 4th string (D).
- Place your pinky finger on the 7th fret of the 3rd string (G).
- Strum all six strings or from the 5th string (A) down.
This voicing offers a more complex sound with all the elements of the A11 chord in the higher register.
Video Tutorial A11 Guitar Chord
For visual learners, a step-by-step video tutorial can make mastering the A11 Guitar Chord much easier. Here’s a helpful guide for you:
Common Chord Progressions Featuring the A11 Guitar Chord
The A11 chord can be used in a variety of musical genres, especially in jazz, blues, and funk. Here are a few chord progressions that commonly feature the A11 chord:
- A11 – D11 – E11 (A classic progression used in jazz and blues)
- A11 – G7 – D7 (A progression often found in blues)
- A11 – F#7 – Bm7 (A progression used in jazz standards)
- A11 – D9 – A11 (A more complex blues progression)
The A11 chord adds a smooth, jazzy vibe to any chord progression and can help make transitions sound more fluid.
Common Mistakes and Tips for Playing the A11 Guitar Chord
Common Mistakes:
- Incorrect Finger Placement: The A11 chord is tricky because it includes a lot of notes, and improper finger placement can mute some of them. Ensure each note rings clearly.
- Strumming Unwanted Strings: The A11 chord requires a careful strum. Be sure not to play the low E string (6th string) unless it’s intentionally muted.
- Not Playing the 11th: Some beginners forget to include the D note, which is crucial to the sound of the A11 chord.
Tips for Playing the A11 Chord:
- Use your thumb to mute the low E string: If you’re playing the A11 chord in a higher position, use your thumb to lightly touch the low E string to mute it.
- Make sure all notes are audible: Press down firmly with your fingers and avoid muting other strings unintentionally.
- Start slow: The A11 chord involves multiple notes and can feel complex, so start slow and focus on clarity and precision.
Tips for Practicing the A11 Guitar Chord
- Practice chord transitions: Work on switching between the A11 and other extended chords like D11 or G7 to get used to playing the A11 in different contexts.
- Use a metronome: Practicing with a metronome will help you maintain good rhythm and timing while incorporating the A11 chord into progressions.
- Play along with jazz or blues songs: Many jazz and blues tracks use the A11 chord, so try playing along with your favorite tunes to get a feel for how it functions in real music.
Related Chords to A11 Guitar Chord
The A11 chord is part of a family of extended chords, and you’ll encounter several related chords that share similar characteristics. These include:
- A7: The basic dominant seventh chord, which serves as the foundation for the A11.
- A9: The A9 chord includes the 9th note and is often used as a bridge to other extended chords.
- D11: The D11 chord is another extended chord with similar voicing and is commonly paired with A11 in progressions.
- A13: The A13 chord builds further on the A11 by adding the 13th note.
Conclusion
The A11 guitar chord is a rich, versatile chord that can add a sophisticated touch to your playing. By learning the A11 chord, you can elevate your jazz, blues, and funk playing and introduce new harmonic textures to your music. With the right practice and understanding of its structure, the A11 chord will become a valuable tool in your guitar vocabulary.