E minor 7th add 11 guitar shapes
Popular fretboard positions with fingering suggestions
Showing 8 of 814 playable shapes
About the chord
E minor 7th add 11 guitar chord
Em7add11 is the E minor 7th add 11 guitar chord. It uses the notes E, G, B, D, and A and the interval formula 1-♭3-5-♭7-11.
The E minor 7th add 11 minor 7th add 11 chord expands the minor 7th with an eleventh A, delivering a soulful, atmospheric sound. The ethereal 11th A enhances the minor tonality, creating a reflective, haunting vibe perfect for jazz and neo-soul.
Also written as Emin7(add11) and Em7(add11).
Root note: E
Quality: minor 7th add 11
Chord tones: 5
Playable shapes: 814
Chord tones
EGBDA
Common guitar voicings
These are quick-start shapes for players who want the answer first and the deeper theory second.
Shape 000030
000030
- 1 Place the 1st finger on the 3rd fret of the 2nd string.
- 2 Let the sixth, fifth, fourth, third, and first strings ring open.
- 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.
E Unison (Root) 1
The root anchors the chord and defines its tonal center.
G Minor Third ♭3
This note supplies the minor color and gives the chord its darker emotional pull.
B Perfect Fifth 5
The fifth reinforces stability and gives the chord its strong harmonic frame.
D Minor Seventh ♭7
The minor seventh adds bluesy or jazzy tension that wants to move onward.
A Perfect Eleventh 11
The eleventh gives the chord a wider, suspended feel.
Shape details
Every shape is shown with its diagram and exact fingering instructions.
E minor 7th add 11 shape 000030
How to play this shape
- 1 Place the 1st finger on the 3rd fret of the 2nd string
- 2 Let the sixth, fifth, fourth, third, and first strings ring open
- 3 Strum from the sixth string down to the first string
E minor 7th add 11 shape 002030
How to play this shape
- 1 Place the 1st finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string
- 2 Place the 2nd finger on the 3rd fret of the 2nd string
- 3 Let the sixth, fifth, third, and first strings ring open
- 4 Strum from the sixth string down to the first string
E minor 7th add 11 shape 000003
How to play this shape
- 1 Place the 1st finger on the 3rd fret of the 1st string
- 2 Let the sixth, fifth, fourth, third, and second strings ring open
- 3 Strum from the sixth string down to the first string
E minor 7th add 11 shape 000203
How to play this shape
- 1 Place the 1st finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd string
- 2 Place the 2nd finger on the 3rd fret of the 1st string
- 3 Let the sixth, fifth, fourth, and second strings ring open
- 4 Strum from the sixth string down to the first string
E minor 7th add 11 shape 020203
How to play this shape
- 1 Place the 1st finger on the 2nd fret of the 5th string
- 2 Place the 2nd finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd string
- 3 Place the 3rd finger on the 3rd fret of the 1st string
- 4 Let the sixth, fourth, and second strings ring open
- 5 Strum from the sixth string down to the first string
E minor 7th add 11 shape 000033
How to play this shape
- 1 Place the 1st finger on the 3rd fret of the 2nd string
- 2 Place the 2nd finger on the 3rd fret of the 1st string
- 3 Let the sixth, fifth, fourth, and third strings ring open
- 4 Strum from the sixth string down to the first string
E minor 7th add 11 shape 002033
How to play this shape
- 1 Place the 1st finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string
- 2 Place the 2nd finger on the 3rd fret of the 2nd string
- 3 Place the 3rd finger on the 3rd fret of the 1st string
- 4 Let the sixth, fifth, and third strings ring open
- 5 Strum from the sixth string down to the first string
Quick answers
What notes are in Em7add11?
Em7add11 uses the notes E, G, B, D, and A. Its interval formula is 1-♭3-5-♭7-11.
What is another name for Em7add11?
Em7add11 is also written as Emin7(add11) and Em7(add11).
How do you play Em7add11 on guitar?
Strum from the 6th string down.
Related Articles
Articles that reference this chord and explain how to use it in your playing.
Article
How to Read Guitar Chord Diagrams
Learn how to read guitar chord diagrams quickly. Understand dots, numbers, Xs, Os, and finger positions so you can play any chord chart at sight.
Article
How to Build Chords from Scratch: Guitar Chord Construction Guide
Learn chord construction step-by-step: intervals, triads, sevenths, and extensions. Build any chord from theory to fretboard.
Article
Chord Inversions on Guitar: Voicings That Sound Professional
Learn chord inversions on guitar to create smoother transitions, richer voicings, and more professional-sounding arrangements. Includes shapes and exercises.
Article
Major vs Minor Chords: Hear and Play the Difference
Understand the difference between major and minor chords on guitar. Learn the theory, hear the contrast, and practice switching between happy and sad sounds.
