Cadd11 — C, E, G, F — is an add11 chord: major triad + 11th (no 7th, no 9th in between) — a brighter, more harmonically open colour.
Intervals
The C add 11 chord stacks two thirds on the root. Each interval and its size in semitones:
- C→Emajor 3rd4 semitones
- E→Gminor 3rd3 semitones
- G→Fminor 7th10 semitones
On the keyboard
Each note of the C add 11 chord highlighted on a piano. Pitch class is what matters — any octave works.
On the guitar
One voicing of the C add 11 chord on a six-string guitar fretboard.
- 1C
- 3E
- 5G
- 11F
Common mistakes
The defining note is the 11th (F). It sits more than an octave above the root, which is why the chord needs a wide voicing — in tight piano voicings the 11th usually appears in the top register while the root and lower triad tones cluster below.
In context
Functions as a bright extended tonic in rock and modern songwriting, especially in lydian-flavoured passages.
Drill it
The C add 11 chord is one of 48 in the Chord Trainer. Open the full trainer to practice it alongside related chords with timing and best-time tracking.
Open the Chord Trainer →Or try today's Etudle puzzleRelated
Frequently asked
- What notes are in a Cadd11 chord?
- Cadd11 contains four notes: C, E, G, F.
- How is Cadd11 different from Cmaj7?
- Cadd11 adds the 11th (F) on top of the underlying 7th chord. The 11th extends the chord into the next octave and adds harmonic colour.
- When is Cadd11 used in music?
- Functions as a bright extended tonic in rock and modern songwriting, especially in lydian-flavoured passages.