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Chord & Fret

Em11 — minor eleventh

Notes in Em11: E – G – B – D – F# – AFormula: 1 – b3 – 5 – b7 – 9 – 11

In the formula, the numbers count steps of the major scale starting from the note that names the chord; "b" lowers a half step, "#" raises one — and a slash names the bass note.

The m11 stacks up to the eleventh over the minor structure. It produces a modal, spacious sound with little tension.

The same chord on all four instruments

Em11, 0 0 0 0 0 0Em11EADGBE
Guitar
Em11, 0 0 0 0 0 0Em11EADGBE
Electric guitar
Em11, 5 2 5 0Em11213GAED
Cavaquinho
Em11, 0 2 0 0Em111GDEA
Ukulele

Where to use it: Perfect for modal vamps — which simply means two chords circling each other, in no hurry to resolve, creating a suspended mood. As a resting chord in a minor key it sounds open and airy, almost like a landscape.

This is just one shape of Em11. In Chord & Fret, you hear every shape strummed string by string, in each instrument's own voice; compare positions with their difficulty marked; and set a capo — the diagrams redraw above it. Start free. Unlock everything with Pro. Plays offline.

See the whole neck in Chord & Fret →

Part of the Extended family.

Other chords in this family

Emaj9E9Em9E13Emaj9(#11)E11Emaj11Emaj13Em13Em(maj9)

See all chord types and qualities →