C11/D guitar shapes

Popular fretboard positions with fingering suggestions

Showing 8 of 17 playable shapes

About the chord

C11 / D (4th inversion)

C11/D is the C11 / D (4th inversion) guitar chord with D in the bass. It uses the notes C, E, G, B♭, D, and F and the interval formula 1-3-5-♭7-9-11.

The C11 dominant 11 chord extends the dominant 9th by adding an 11th F, creating a layered, suspended sound. This harmonic richness enhances jazz and fusion progressions, generating a mystical, unresolved atmosphere. With D in the bass, this voicing functions as the 4th inversion of C11.

Also written as C11 and Cdom11/D.

Root note: C

Bass note: D

Chord tones: 6

Playable shapes: 17

Chord tones

CEGB♭DF

Common guitar voicings

These are quick-start shapes for players who want the answer first and the deeper theory second.

Shape 1

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1 Place the 1st finger on the 8th fret of the 1st string, 2nd string, 4th string, and 5th string in barre position.
2 Place the 2nd finger on the 9th fret of the 3rd string.
3 Place the 3rd finger on the 10th fret of the 6th string.
4 Strum from the 6th string down.

Shape 2

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1 Place the 1st finger on the 10th fret of the 3rd string, 4th string, 5th string, and 6th string in barre position.
2 Place the 2nd finger on the 11th fret of the 2nd string.
3 Strum from the 6th string down.

Notes & Intervals

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

C Unison (Root) 1

The root anchors the chord and defines its tonal center.

E Major Third 3

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

G Perfect Fifth 5

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

B♭ Minor Seventh ♭7

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

D Major Ninth 9

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

F Perfect Eleventh 11

The eleventh gives the chord a wider, suspended feel.

Quick answers

What notes are in C11/D?

C11/D uses the notes C, E, G, B♭, D, and F. Its interval formula is 1-3-5-♭7-9-11.

What is another name for C11/D?

C11/D is also written as C11 and Cdom11/D.

How do you play C11/D on guitar?

Place the 1st finger on the 8th fret of the 1st string, 2nd string, 4th string, and 5th string in barre position. Place the 2nd finger on the 9th fret of the 3rd string. Place the 3rd finger on the 10th fret of the 6th string. Strum from the 6th string down.

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

Article Mar 4, 2025