How to play the C#11 chord on guitar

The C#11 chord, pronounced "C sharp eleventh," is a sophisticated and jazzy chord that adds depth and complexity to harmony. Notable for its inclusion of the 11th scale degree, this chord is commonly used in jazz, fusion, and R&B music to create a sense of tension and release. The C#11 chord can be heard in songs like "Maiden Voyage" by Herbie Hancock.

The most common way to play the C#11 chord on guitar is as a barre chord on the 4th fret.

Follow these finger positions to play a C#11 chord on your guitar:

1. Use your index finger to barre the strings at the 4th fret, covering the 5th (A), 4th (D), 3rd (G), 2nd (B), and 1st (E) strings.
2. Place your middle finger on the 5th fret of the 4th (D) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 6th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 6th fret of the 2nd (B) string.

To strum this chord, use your pick or thumb to play from the 5th (A) string down to the 1st (E) string in a single, fluid motion.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the C#11 chord, try playing a basic C# major chord instead. Place your index finger on the 4th fret of the 5th string, middle finger on the 6th fret of the 3rd string, and ring finger on the 6th fret of the 2nd string. Strum from the 5th string.

The C#11 chord is typically played as an open chord, but learning the barre chord version can be useful for playing it higher up the neck or transitioning between other barre chords.

Here's how to play a C#11 barre chord:

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

The C#11 chord can add a jazzy, sophisticated flavor to chord progressions, often used to create tension and release or convey complex emotions. Some common progressions featuring the C#11 chord include:

• I - C#11 - vi - V7 (C# - C#11 - A#m - G#7) Used in "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin
• ii - V7 - I - C#11 (D#m - G#7 - C# - C#11)
• C#11 - vi - ii - V7 (C#11 - A#m - D#m - G#7)
• I - vi - C#11 - V7 (C# - A#m - C#11 - G#7) Used in "Girl from Ipanema" by Antônio Carlos Jobim
• C#11 - iii7 - vi7 - ii7 (C#11 - E#7 - A#m7 - D#m7)

To master the C#11 chord, try playing each note individually, focusing on clarity and tone. Once comfortable, practice transitioning between the notes in different orders, gradually increasing your speed. Incorporate the chord into simple progressions to develop muscle memory and familiarity.

Alternatively, try playing arpeggios using the notes of the C#11 chord. Start slowly, ensuring each note rings out clearly. As you improve, experiment with different rhythmic patterns and fingerpicking techniques to add variety and challenge yourself.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the C#11 chord.

1. I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston (C#11, F#m7, G#, G#7, C#)
2. Purple Rain by Prince (C#11, G#, F#, B)
3. Nothing Else Matters by Metallica (C#11, B, F#, G#)
4. Neon by John Mayer (C#11, G#m7, F#m7, A#m7)
5. Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin (C#11, A#m, F#, G#)
6. All Along the Watchtower by Jimi Hendrix (C#11, G#, F#)
7. Creep by Radiohead (C#11, G#, A#m)
8. Little Wing by Jimi Hendrix (C#11, G#, F#, A#m)
9. Bold as Love by Jimi Hendrix (C#11, F#, G#)
10. The Wind Cries Mary by Jimi Hendrix (C#11, G#, F#)