V to I resolution
Use the dominant sound to pull strongly into a stable major tonic.
Guitar chord companion
C11 Chord
Learn the C11 chord on guitar with chord tones, intervals, and interactive fretboard shapes.
1C5Gb7Bb9D11F
Playable C11 Chord voicings
Start with these chord-box shapes, then use the full fretboard below to see every chord tone.
C shape, open position
Low to high strings: x 3 3 3 1 1
A shape, fret 3
Low to high strings: x 3 3 3 6 3
G shape, fret 5
Low to high strings: 8 x 5 5 6 6
E shape, fret 8
Low to high strings: 8 8 8 10 8 8
D shape, fret 10
Low to high strings: x x 10 10 11 13
Full fretboard map
Every C11 Chord chord tone across the neck, with roots highlighted for quick orientation.
Frets 0–24. Select a position or tap a note to hear it.
CAGED
Progression examples using C11
Try these progressions to hear the harmony in context. On bass, outline each chord with individual target tones.
Minor-key dominant pull
The same dominant root can resolve into a minor tonic for a darker cadence.
Turnaround color
Place the dominant at the end of a turnaround so the next phrase has forward motion.
Chord Tones
| Degree | Interval | Note | Default guitar voicing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Root | C | Included |
| 3 | M3 | E | Usually omitted |
| 5 | P5 | G | Included |
| b7 | m7 | Bb | Included |
| 9 | M9 | D | Included |
| 11 | P11 | F | Included |
The table shows the complete theoretical chord. The default guitar voicing uses C, G, Bb, D, F; degrees 3 are usually omitted. Chord-tone maps include every formula tone.
Scales Containing the Complete Formula
Complete Formula
1 – 3 – 5 – b7 – 9 – 11
Compound degrees retain their names: 9, 11, and 13 are extensions. A voicing may place their pitches in a closer register.