Ab Major 7 #11 Chord

What is the Ab Major 7 #11 Chord?

Here's a fretboard view of the Ab Major 7 #11 chord so you can see where each chord tone lives across the neck. This chord is enharmonically equivalent to G# Major 7 #11.

Notes and Arpeggios

Major 7#11 chords inject the Lydian #11 into a major 7th voicing, producing a dreamy, floating quality that sounds "brighter than bright." They're a staple of modern jazz voicings and film-score harmony. The chord tones are: Ab, C, Eb, G, D. It's built from degrees 1, 3, 5, 7, and #11.

How to Use It

Extended voicings are a staple of jazz, neo-soul, and modern pop harmony. On guitar, start with the chord-box voicings, then find at least two different string sets where the same chord tones appear.

Arpeggiate the chord slowly (one note at a time) so your ear learns the sound of each degree. Use the highlights to spot where the same tone repeats across strings.