C Dominant 11th Guitar Chord (C11)
C Dominant 11th (C11) is built from C, G, Bb, D, F, which is the 1P - 5P - 7m - 9M - 11P formula measured from the root C. This page shows 2 fingerings with fretboard diagrams.
Fingerings for C11
Notes in C11
- C1P
- G5P
- Bb7m
- D9M
- F11P
How to play C11
C Dominant 11th Guitar Chord (C11) 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.
C11 FAQ
- What notes are in C Dominant 11th?
- C Dominant 11th (C11) contains C, G, Bb, D, F. In interval terms that is 1P - 5P - 7m - 9M - 11P above the root C.
- How do you play C11 on guitar?
- The most common shape here is "C11": low E muted.
- Is C11 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.