Major 11 Chords (maj11) - Guitar Shapes and Theory

What Are Major 11 Chords?

Major 11 chords are major seventh chords with two supplementary notes, the ninth (9) and the eleventh (11) giving the formula : root (1), major third (3), fifth (5), seventh (7), ninth (9), eleventh (11). Major 11 chords are not played much because of their dissonance.

Differences Between 11, m11, maj11, 7sus4 and sus 4 

11 Chord construction can be source of confusion, here is a formula chart which may help you to distinguish them.

• Dominant 11 chords contain a major third (3) and a minor seventh (b7).
• Minor 11 chords contain a minor third (b3) and a minor seventh (b7).
• 7sus4 chords have no third (3) and no ninth (9).
• Sus4 chords no third (3), no ninth (9) and no seventh (7).

How to Play Major 11 Chords on Guitar?

In the first two shapes the ninth and the fifth are omitted giving us the voicing R - 7 - 3 - 11. The last two shapes have no third and no fifth giving the voicing R - 7 - 9 - 11. These four shapes are movable, meaning that you can play them anywhere on the guitar neck.

Notice that the major third (3) and the eleventh (11) (that is actually the same as the 4th) create a strong dissonance. That's why the third is often omitted in 11 and maj11 chords. This would change the name of the chords however they are often written as 11th chords.