How to play the E11 chord on guitar

The E11 chord, pronounced "E eleventh," is a versatile and richly textured chord that adds depth to various musical genres. Notable for its extended harmony, the E11 incorporates the seventh and eleventh notes of the scale. Commonly used in jazz, funk, and R&B, the E11 can be heard in songs like Stevie Wonder's "I Wish" and Jimi Hendrix's "Little Wing."

The E11 chord is typically played as a barre chord on the 7th fret of the guitar.

Follow these finger positions to play a E11 chord on your guitar:

1. Place your index finger on the 7th fret of the 5th (A), 4th (D), 3rd (G), 2nd (B), and 1st (E) strings, creating a barre.
2. Place your ring finger on the 9th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your pinky finger on the 9th fret of the 2nd (B) string.

Strum all six strings together to play the E11 chord, starting from the 6th (low E) string and moving down to the 1st (high E) string.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the E11 chord, try playing an E major chord and adding your pinky finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd (G) string. This variation of the E major chord includes the 11th note, making it an E11 chord without the complexity of a barre chord.

Playing the E11 chord as a barre chord can be useful for smoothly transitioning to and from other barre chords, and it allows more freedom to embellish the chord or play melodies on the higher strings.

Here's how to play an E11 barre chord:

1. Place your index finger across all six strings at the 7th fret, forming a barre.
2. Place your middle finger on the 8th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 9th fret of the 5th (A) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 9th fret of the 4th (D) string.
5. Strum all six strings from low to high.

The E11 chord is often used in rock and blues progressions to add a sense of tension and release, creating a powerful and emotionally charged sound. Some common E11 chord progressions include:

• I - IV - V (E11 - A11 - B11) - Used in "Born to Be Wild" by Steppenwolf and "Jumpin' Jack Flash" by The Rolling Stones
• I - bVI - IV - V (E11 - C11 - A11 - B11)
• I - V - IV (E11 - B11 - A11)
• I - bIII - IV - bVI (E11 - G11 - A11 - C11)
• I - IV - bVII (E11 - A11 - D11)

To master the E11 chord, try playing each note individually, focusing on clean execution. Once comfortable, practice transitioning between E11 and other chords like A and B7. Strum the chord repeatedly, ensuring each note rings clearly.

Alternatively, arpeggiate the E11 chord, playing each note in sequence. Begin slowly and gradually increase speed. This drill helps develop finger dexterity and muscle memory. Experiment with different rhythmic patterns to keep things interesting and challenging.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the E11 chord:

1. Knockin' on Heaven's Door by Bob Dylan (G, D, Am7, E11)
2. Take It Easy by Eagles (G, D, C, Am7, E11)
3. Fast Car by Tracy Chapman (C, G, Em, D, E11)
4. Peaceful Easy Feeling by Eagles (E, A, E7, B7, C#m, A, G#m, F#m, B, E11)
5. I'm Yours by Jason Mraz (G, D, Em, C, E11)
6. The Joker by Steve Miller Band (F, C, G, B♭, E11)
7. No Woman, No Cry by Bob Marley & The Wailers (C, G, Am, F, E11)
8. Zombie by The Cranberries (Em, C, G, D, E11)
9. What's Up by 4 Non Blondes (A, Bm, D, E11)
10. Creep by Radiohead (G, B, C, Cm, E11)