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.
Fmaj11/B♭ guitar shapes
Popular fretboard positions with fingering suggestions
Showing 3 of 3 playable shapes
About the chord
F major 11 / B♭ (5th inversion)
The F major 11 major 11 chord layers the major triad with a major seventh and eleventh B♭, creating a lush, expansive harmony. Its dreamy, sophisticated sound enhances major progressions with a modern, atmospheric feel, often used in jazz and ambient genres. With B♭ in the bass, this voicing functions as the 5th inversion of F major 11.
Root note: F
Bass note: B♭
Chord tones: 6
Playable shapes: 3
Chord tones
FACEGB♭
Notes & Intervals
Each note below shows how the chord is built from its root. This is the theory layer underneath the fretboard shapes.
F Unison (Root) 1
The root anchors the chord and defines its tonal center.
A Major Third 3
This note defines the chord's major quality and brings brightness to the sound.
C Perfect Fifth 5
The fifth reinforces stability and gives the chord its strong harmonic frame.
E Major Seventh 7
The major seventh adds a smooth, lush tension close to the root.
G Major Ninth 9
The ninth opens the chord up and adds a modern, spacious color.
B♭ 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.
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.