A11/C♯ guitar shapes

Popular fretboard positions with fingering suggestions

Showing 8 of 34 playable shapes

About the chord

A11 / C♯ (1st inversion)

The A11 dominant 11 chord extends the dominant 9th by adding an 11th D, creating a layered, suspended sound. This harmonic richness enhances jazz and fusion progressions, generating a mystical, unresolved atmosphere. With C♯ in the bass, this voicing functions as the 1st inversion of A11.

Root note: A
Bass note: C♯
Chord tones: 6
Playable shapes: 34

Chord tones

AC♯EGBD

Notes & Intervals

Each note below shows how the chord is built from its root. This is the theory layer underneath the fretboard shapes.

A Unison (Root) 1

The root anchors the chord and defines its tonal center.

C♯ Major Third 3

This note defines the chord's major quality and brings brightness to the sound.

E Perfect Fifth 5

The fifth reinforces stability and gives the chord its strong harmonic frame.

G Minor Seventh ♭7

The minor seventh adds bluesy or jazzy tension that wants to move onward.

B Major Ninth 9

The ninth opens the chord up and adds a modern, spacious color.

D Perfect Eleventh 11

The eleventh gives the chord a wider, suspended feel.

Related Articles

Articles that reference this chord and explain how to use it in your playing.