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Major Seventh Sharp Eleventh Chords (maj7#11) - Guitar Diagrams and Voicing

In this lesson we’re looking at the maj7♯11 chord—a lush, modern-sounding shape that comes straight from the Lydian mode.

Think of it as a regular maj7 chord with one extra note, the raised 11th, that gives it a dreamy, floating quality often heard in jazz and fusion.

We’ll break down how it’s built and learn some easy voicings you can use right away on the guitar.

Construction

A major 7#11 chord (major seventh sharp eleventh), also called Lydian chord or Lydian augmented chord, is a basic major 7th chord with a #11.

The #11 is actually the fourth (4) sharpened in the higher octave.

In a chord chart notation, Lydian indicates a major family chord with an added augmented eleventh.

The #11 extension is described as modern sounding, that's why it is more present in modern jazz tunes than in classic jazz standards.

Therefore, it can be very interesting when you want to add spice to your chords in any harmonic context.

Indeed, this chord can replace chord IV in major keys and even the chord I to add harmonic interest.

Chord tones are 1- 3 - 5 -7 - #11

C major 7#11 chord C E G B F#
Formula R 3 5 7 11

 

Related scale: Lydian 
Chord notation : Maj7#11 - 7#11
Possible extensions: 9, #11, 13
Chord tones: 3rd and 7th

Related tunes

Guitar Chord Shapes

Here are five positions to play major 7#11 chords on the guitar. 

Notice that the fifth (5) is left out to avoid the conflict with the sharp eleventh (#11).

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Last edited: 2025-09-05

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