The 7#11 Chord: A Comprehensive Guide to Dominant Seventh Sharp Eleven

Introduction to the 7#11 Chord

The 7#11 chord, also known as the dominant seventh sharp eleven or lydian dominant, is a rich and colorful extension of the basic dominant seventh chord. This sophisticated harmony adds an augmented eleventh (#11) to the dominant seventh structure, creating a bright, modern sound that's particularly popular in jazz, fusion, and contemporary music.

Historical Context and Musical Significance

The 7#11 chord emerged prominently in the 20th century as jazz musicians began exploring more complex harmonic possibilities. Its characteristic #11 tension provides a luminous quality while maintaining the chord's dominant function. The chord is strongly associated with the lydian dominant scale (the fourth mode of melodic minor), which explains its alternative name.

Technical Construction

Chord Formula

The 7#11 chord is built using the following intervals:

• Root (1)
• Major third (3)
• Perfect fifth (5)
• Minor seventh (b7)
• Augmented eleventh (#11)

Example in C

C7#11 contains the notes: C (root), E (major third), G (perfect fifth), Bb (minor seventh), and F# (augmented eleventh).

Practical Applications

Jazz Usage

In jazz, the 7#11 chord frequently appears in II-V-I progressions where the V chord is altered for color. For example: Dm7 - G7#11 - Cmaj7.

Fusion and Modern Styles

Fusion artists like Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock often use 7#11 chords to create bright, contemporary harmonies over static vamps.

Progressive Exercises

Level 1: Construction

Practice building 7#11 chords in all keys using the formula 1-3-5-b7-#11.

Level 2: Voicings

Learn common piano and guitar voicings, focusing on smooth voice leading between chords.

Level 3: Improvisation

Improvise over 7#11 chords using the lydian dominant scale (1-2-3-#4-5-6-b7).

Common Usage Across Genres

Jazz

Used extensively for altered dominant sounds and modern reharmonizations.

Rock/Pop

Appears in sophisticated pop arrangements and fusion-influenced rock.

Film Scoring

Provides luminous, ambiguous textures in contemporary film music.

Conclusion

The 7#11 chord offers musicians a versatile harmonic color that bridges traditional functionality with modern sophistication. Its unique blend of stability (perfect fifth) and tension (#11) makes it particularly valuable for creating interest in dominant harmonies across various musical styles.