The C11 guitar chord is a rich and complex chord used frequently in jazz, blues, and funk to add depth and color to chord progressions. It’s built on the C major chord with additional extensions that create a sophisticated sound. This guide will help you understand how to play the C11 chord, its variations, common mistakes, and more.
What is a C11 Guitar Chord?
The C11 chord is an extended chord that includes the root (C), major third (E), perfect fifth (G), minor seventh (B♭), and eleventh (F). It’s often used to add tension and complexity to chord progressions.
C11 Formula:
- Root (C)
- Major third (E)
- Perfect fifth (G)
- Minor seventh (B♭)
- Eleventh (F)
How to Play the C11 Guitar Chord
Here are a few ways to play the C11 chord on the guitar:
C11 (Open Position)
This voicing of the C11 is bright and full, with a rich texture provided by the open strings. It’s perfect for smooth chord transitions and can be used in various genres, especially jazz and blues.
How to Play:
- Place your index finger across the 3rd fret of the A, D, G, B, and high E strings.
- Strum all strings except the low E string.
C11 (Barre Chord Version)
This barre version gives the C11 chord a more balanced and smooth sound, perfect for layering with other chords in jazz progressions. It works well for both rhythm and solo playing.
How to Play:
- Place your index finger across the 3rd fret of the A, D, G, and B strings.
- Place your middle finger on the 5th fret of the B string (F note).
- Strum from the A string down to the high E string.
C11 (Alternate Voicing)
This voicing brings out a slightly more dissonant sound with the added tension of the Bb note (minor seventh) in combination with the 11th (F). It’s great for more expressive playing.
How to Play:
- Place your index finger across the 3rd fret of the A, D, and G strings.
- Place your middle finger on the 6th fret of the B string (F note).
- Strum from the A string down to the high E string.
C11 (Simplified Version)
This simplified version of the C11 chord omits the B string, focusing on the core notes of the chord. It still provides a clear and distinct sound with the 11th added, but with less complexity.
How to Play:
- Place your index finger on the 3rd fret of the A string (C note).
- Place your ring finger on the 5th fret of the D string (G note).
- Place your pinky on the 5th fret of the G string (Bb note).
- Strum only the A, D, and G strings.
Songs Featuring the C11 Chord
The C11 chord, with its jazzy and complex character, is most commonly found in genres like jazz, blues, and fusion, but it has also found its way into rock and pop. Here are a few notable songs that either feature the C11 chord directly or utilize similar extended chords to create a similar harmonic vibe.
“Autumn Leaves” – Joseph Kosma
Effect: This iconic jazz standard often includes extended chords, and the C11 chord fits perfectly into its chord progressions. The C11 adds depth and a sense of unresolved tension, which is characteristic of jazz’s emotional range. As a common chord in jazz, it serves to build up the harmonic movement before resolving to other chords in the progression, giving the song a lush and sophisticated feel.
Use of C11: The C11 typically appears during the minor key sections of the song, giving it a rich, layered sound that enhances the overall emotional mood of the piece.
“Blue Bossa” – Kenny Dorham
Effect: A popular jazz standard in the bossa nova style, “Blue Bossa” utilizes complex chord structures like C11 to add color and harmonic sophistication. The C11 chord in this song introduces a sense of cool tension before resolving to other chords, contributing to the smooth and laid-back feel of the piece.
Use of C11: In “Blue Bossa,” the C11 is often found in the bridge sections, helping to give the song its jazzy, syncopated harmonic movement, and making it a smooth, sophisticated piece overall.
“Cantaloupe Island” – Herbie Hancock
Effect: This track from the legendary jazz pianist Herbie Hancock features extended chords like the C11 to build a funky, groovy atmosphere. The C11 chord helps to establish the groove while maintaining a deep, harmonic tension that allows the soloists to shine over the top.
Use of C11: The C11 chord is prominent in the harmonic structure of the piece, particularly in the introductory and comping sections. It provides a jazzy, bluesy foundation that helps to define the song’s laid-back yet rich texture.
“Stormy Monday” – T-Bone Walker
Effect: A staple in the blues genre, “Stormy Monday” utilizes extended chords like the C11 to add emotional depth to its classic twelve-bar blues progression. The C11 chord enhances the song’s feeling of melancholy and anticipation, making it a powerful tool for expressing the blues’ signature mood.
Use of C11: In “Stormy Monday,” the C11 is used in the turnaround sections to create a slight dissonance that resolves back to the root chord, emphasizing the song’s emotional weight and creating a smoother transition between phrases.
“The Chicken” – Jaco Pastorius
Effect: This funky jazz tune by Jaco Pastorius frequently employs extended chords, and the C11 plays a vital role in giving the bass line its deep, complex sound. The C11 chord adds color to the otherwise simple groove, making the harmonic structure more interesting and multifaceted.
Use of C11: The C11 chord appears throughout the track, particularly in the instrumental sections, creating an energetic, vibrant foundation that allows the horn and bass solos to shine while adding harmonic sophistication.
The C11 chord is a versatile and powerful tool for musicians in genres like jazz, blues, fusion, and even pop. It adds richness, tension, and harmonic complexity to songs, whether it’s creating emotional depth in a ballad or driving the groove in a jazz or funk tune. The C11 chord is particularly useful for songwriters and performers who want to bring a sophisticated, jazzy feel to their music.
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