How to play the Bb11 chord on guitar

The Bb11 chord, pronounced B-flat eleventh, is a sophisticated and jazzy chord that adds a touch of complexity to any musical arrangement. Notable for its rich harmonic structure, the Bb11 chord is commonly used in jazz, R&B, and neo-soul genres. Its unique voicing, which includes the 7th and 11th scale degrees, creates a lush and slightly dissonant sound that resolves beautifully when used strategically.

The most popular way to play a Bb11 chord on guitar is as a barre chord on the 6th fret.

Follow these finger positions to play a Bb11 chord on your guitar:

1. Place your index finger across all six strings at the 6th fret to form a barre.
2. Place your middle finger on the 7th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 8th fret of the 5th (A) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 8th fret of the 4th (D) string.

To strum the Bb11 chord, use your pick or thumb to play downstrokes, hitting all six strings. Alternatively, you can fingerpick the individual notes of the chord.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the Bb11 chord, try this:

1. Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 4th (D) string.
2. Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the 2nd (B) string.
3. Play only the 4th, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st strings, strumming down from the 4th string.

Playing the Bb11 chord as a barre chord can be a great way to add a full, rich sound to your guitar playing, especially when transitioning between other barre chords.

Here's how to play a Bb11 barre chord:

1. Place your index finger across the 6th fret, covering all six strings.
2. Place your middle finger on the 7th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 8th fret of the 5th (A) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 8th fret of the 4th (D) string.
5. Strum down from the 5th (A) string.

The B♭11 chord is often used in jazz, funk, and R&B progressions to add a sophisticated, dreamy, or slightly melancholic flavor. Some common chord progressions featuring B♭11 include:

• I - III7 - VI7 - II7 (B♭maj7 - Dmin7 - Gmin7 - Cmin7)
• I - II7 - V7 - I (B♭maj7 - Cmin7 - F7 - B♭maj7)
• I - VI7 - II7 - V7 (B♭maj7 - Gmin7 - Cmin7 - F7)
• I - VII7 - III7 - VI7 (B♭maj7 - A♭7 - Dmin7 - Gmin7)
• II7 - V7 - I - VI7 (Cmin7 - F7 - B♭maj7 - Gmin7) Used in "Living for the City" by Stevie Wonder

To master the Bb11 chord, start by practicing the chord transition from a simpler chord like Bb major. Focus on smoothly switching between the two chords, maintaining a steady rhythm. Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable.

Another effective drill is to arpeggiate the chord, playing each note separately in ascending and descending order. This exercise helps develop finger independence and familiarizes you with the chord's sound. Concentrate on clarity and evenness of tone. With consistent practice, you'll find the Bb11 chord becoming more natural and intuitive.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the Bb11 chord.

1. Sir Duke by Stevie Wonder (Bb11, Eb7, Bb7, Fm7, Bb7, Eb7, Cm7, F7)
2. Isn't She Lovely by Stevie Wonder (F, Dm, Gm, C)
3. Superstition by Stevie Wonder (Eb7, Bb11, Eb7, Cm7, Fm7, Bb7, Eb7)
4. I Wish by Stevie Wonder (F, Em7, Dm7, G11)
5. Boogie On Reggae Woman by Stevie Wonder (Eb, Gm, F, Bb)
6. As by Stevie Wonder (Cmaj7, Bm7, Bbm7, Am7)
7. Living for the City by Stevie Wonder (F, Bb, Gm, C, F7)
8. Overjoyed by Stevie Wonder (Db, Ebm, Gb, B)
9. Knocks Me Off My Feet by Stevie Wonder (Gmaj7, Em7, Am7, D7)
10. Pastime Paradise by Stevie Wonder (Cm7, Fm7, Bb11, Eb7)