The D major eleventh chord, also known as Dmaj11, is a six-note extended chord that adds a rich layer of harmony to the standard D major triad. It consists of the notes D (root), F♯ (major third), A (perfect fifth), C♯ (major seventh), E (major ninth), and G (perfect eleventh). This chord is commonly used in jazz, R&B, and contemporary pop music to create a lush, sophisticated sound. The inclusion of the eleventh interval adds a sense of openness and tension, which can be resolved in various ways within a progression. On the guitar, the Dmaj11 chord can be played in several voicings, often involving open strings and barre chords to accommodate all six notes. Mastery of this chord allows musicians to explore a wider range of harmonic possibilities and enhances their expressive capabilities in performance and composition.
Name: D major eleventh chord
Notes: D, F♯, A, C♯, E, G
Intervals: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11
Chord symbol: Dmaj11
Alternative symbols: DΔ11, Dma11, DMA11, DM11
Type: Hexad (six-note chord)
D major eleventh chord on the Staff
D major eleventh chord on Piano
D major eleventh chord on Guitar
D major eleventh chord on Ukulele
Rowan Ellis is a musician and educator with a passion for exploring the language of harmony and melody. With years of experience across classical, jazz, and contemporary styles, Rowan breaks down music theory into clear, practical insights. His goal is to make chords and scales less intimidating and more inspiring for every musician.