Cmaj11 chord on guitar
C Major Eleventh. Notes: C, E, G, B, D and F.
How to play Cmaj11
- Put your index finger on the 1st (high E) string at fret 1 (F).
- Put your middle finger on the 4th (D) string at fret 2 (E).
- Put your ring finger on the 5th (A) string at fret 3 (C).
- Let the open G and B strings ring.
- Don't play the low E string: skip it or mute it with a fretting finger.
- Strum from the A string down.
All 4 ways to play Cmaj11
Easiest first. Tap play to hear each one.Open position
EasyBarre at fret 3
MediumFret 6 position
HardBarre at fret 8
HardNotes and theory
The major eleventh extends a major ninth with an eleventh. It is rare because the eleventh clashes with the third. The formula is 1 3 5 7 9 11.
More C chords
All C guitar chordsmajor eleventh chords in every key
Questions
What notes are in the Cmaj11 chord?
Cmaj11 (C major eleventh) is made of six notes: C (root), E (major third), G (perfect fifth), B (major seventh), D (ninth) and F (eleventh).
How do you play Cmaj11 on guitar?
The easiest Cmaj11 is the "open position" shape. Put your index finger on the 1st (high E) string at fret 1 (F). Put your middle finger on the 4th (D) string at fret 2 (E). Put your ring finger on the 5th (A) string at fret 3 (C).
Is Cmaj11 hard to play on guitar?
No. The easiest version is rated easy and uses 3 fretted notes plus open strings.
What does a major eleventh chord sound like?
The major eleventh extends a major ninth with an eleventh. It is rare because the eleventh clashes with the third.