A Dominant 11th Guitar Chord (A11)
A Dominant 11th (A11) is built from A, E, G, B, D, which is the 1P - 5P - 7m - 9M - 11P formula measured from the root A. This page shows 3 fingerings with fretboard diagrams.
Fingerings for A11
Notes in A11
- A1P
- E5P
- G7m
- B9M
- D11P
How to play A11
A Dominant 11th Guitar Chord (A11) is tense and unresolved, which is what makes it want to move.
Beginner tip
Mute the strings you do not play — a dominant seventh with a ringing open string loses its pull.
Practice idea
Resolve it down a fifth to the tonic and listen for the tension release.
A11 FAQ
- What notes are in A Dominant 11th?
- A Dominant 11th (A11) contains A, E, G, B, D. In interval terms that is 1P - 5P - 7m - 9M - 11P above the root A.
- How do you play A11 on guitar?
- The most common shape here is "A11": low E muted, A open, D open, G open, B open, high E open.
- Is A11 hard for beginners?
- It sits in the seventh family. Mute the strings you do not play — a dominant seventh with a ringing open string loses its pull.