The E11 guitar chord is a rich and complex chord that adds depth and color to your music. It’s commonly used in jazz, blues, and funk to create a sophisticated harmonic texture. The E11 chord is built on the E dominant 7th chord with an added 11th (A) note, which gives it a distinctive sound.
1. What is an E11 Guitar Chord?
The E11 chord is an extension of the E dominant 7th chord, with an additional 11th note. It consists of the following intervals:
E11 Chord Formula:
- Root (E)
- Major third (G#)
- Perfect fifth (B)
- Minor seventh (D)
- Perfect eleventh (A)
The addition of the 11th (A) note adds a layer of complexity and tension to the chord, making it sound more colorful and intriguing.
2. How to Play the E11 Guitar Chord
The E11 chord can be played in various positions on the guitar, and it often involves barre chords or voicings that include multiple frets.
E11 Open Position (Simplified Voicing):
- Place your index finger on the 7th fret of the A string (5th string).
- Place your middle finger on the 7th fret of the D string (4th string).
- Place your ring finger on the 7th fret of the G string (3rd string).
- Place your pinky on the 7th fret of the B string (2nd string).
- Strum from the A string down, letting the high E string ring open.
This voicing uses a barre to include the 11th and is relatively easy to play.
E11 Barre Chord (7th Fret):
- Barre your index finger across all strings at the 7th fret.
- Place your ring finger on the 9th fret of the A string (5th string).
- Place your middle finger on the 9th fret of the D string (4th string).
- Strum from the A string down, letting the low E string ring open.
This barre chord version provides a fuller sound and can be used in various musical contexts.
Strumming Tips:
- Strum with precision: Make sure to hit the correct strings to clearly define the E11 chord.
- Listen to the dissonance: The 11th adds a certain tension, so pay attention to how it interacts with other chords in your progression.
3. Video Tutorial
For a visual guide, check out this Video Tutorial on the E11 Guitar Chord. The tutorial will walk you through different shapes and uses of the E11 chord.
4. Common Mistakes and Tips for Playing the E11 Guitar Chord
Common Mistakes:
- Not barring properly: Ensure your index finger is pressing down evenly across the fretboard to avoid muted or buzzing strings.
- Missing notes: Make sure to include all the necessary notes (root, third, fifth, seventh, and eleventh) to get the full sound of the E11 chord.
Tips for Playing the E11 Chord:
- Practice transitioning: Work on moving smoothly between the E11 and other chords, especially dominant and major chords.
- Use in context: The E11 chord works best in progressions where it can resolve to more stable chords. Practice using it in jazz, blues, or funk contexts to get a feel for its sound.
5. E11 Chord Variations
Here are some variations of the E11 chord:
- E11 (without the 5th): Sometimes the perfect fifth (B) is omitted, resulting in a chord that is simply an E7 with an added 11th.
- E7b9: Includes a flat 9th (F) along with the 11th, creating a more complex and tension-filled chord.
- Emaj11: A major 11th chord that includes a major 7th (D#) instead of a minor 7th, providing a different flavor.
6. Chord Progressions and Songs Featuring the E11 Guitar Chord
Common Chord Progressions:
- E11 – A7 – Dmaj7: A classic jazz progression that uses E11 as a dominant chord leading to A7 and resolving to Dmaj7.
- E11 – F#7 – Bm7: Another progression where E11 creates tension before moving to F#7 and resolving to Bm7.
- E11 – B7 – E: A progression where E11 resolves to B7, creating a strong resolution back to E major.
Songs Featuring the E11 Chord:
- “All The Things You Are” by Jerome Kern: Utilizes E11 in a jazz context to add harmonic complexity.
- “Georgia On My Mind” by Hoagy Carmichael: Features E11 as part of the chord progression to create a soulful sound.
- “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” by Cole Porter: Includes E11 to add a sophisticated touch to the arrangement.
7. Tips for Practicing the E11 Guitar Chord
- Play with a metronome: Practice the E11 chord in different tempos to build rhythm and timing.
- Experiment with voicings: Try different shapes and positions of the E11 chord to find the sound that fits best in your musical context.
- Incorporate it into progressions: Use the E11 chord in various progressions to get comfortable with its sound and how it interacts with other chords.
8. Related Chords to E11 Guitar Chord
Here are some related chords that are often used alongside or in place of the E11 chord:
- E7: The basic dominant seventh chord that the E11 builds upon.
- E9: Adds a 9th (F#) to the E7 chord, providing a similar but slightly different tension.
- A7: The dominant chord that often follows E11 in common progressions.
- Emaj7: A major 7th chord that can be used in contrast with the E11 chord.
The E11 guitar chord is a versatile and expressive chord that can add a sophisticated edge to your music. Its rich, complex sound makes it ideal for jazz, blues, and funk. Practice incorporating the E11 chord into your progressions to explore its full potential and enhance your harmonic palette!