How to Play an F Dominant 7 #11th Chord on Guitar

The F dominant 7 #11 is a variation of the standard dominant 7 chord familiar to most guitar players. This chord can add a lot of jazziness to your chord progressions. In this article, you will learn how to construct and play an F dominant 7 #11 chord of your own.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Place your middle finger on the eighth fret of the fifth string (A string). This is the note F, the root of this chord.

2. Barre the seventh fret of the guitar. Lay your forefinger over the seventh fret of the first, second, third and fourth strings. This barre will cover the notes A and B, the third and sharp 11th degrees of the F major scale.

3. Using your ring finger, hold down the eighth fret of the third string. This is the note E flat, the flat seventh degree of the F major scale.

4. Place your pinky on the 10th fret of the second string (B string). This is the note A, the third degree of the F major scale.

5. Strum the chord. Using a pick or your fingers, play all of the notes in one sweeping motion. That's it. You now know how to play an F dominant 7 #11 chord on the guitar!

Tips & Warnings

• This chord may sound quite dissonant out of context. Don't worry. Once you learn some jazz progressions, you'll see that in context, chords such as this one can sound great!