Em(add11) — E, G, B, A — is a minor add11 chord: minor triad + 11th (no 7th, no 9th) — a relatively rare extended minor chord with a distinctive open colour.
Intervals
The E minor add 11 chord stacks two thirds on the root. Each interval and its size in semitones:
- E→Gminor 3rd3 semitones
- G→Bmajor 3rd4 semitones
- B→Aminor 7th10 semitones
On the keyboard
Each note of the E minor add 11 chord highlighted on a piano. Pitch class is what matters — any octave works.
On the guitar
One voicing of the E minor add 11 chord on a six-string guitar fretboard.
- 1E
- ♭3G
- 5B
- 11A
Common mistakes
The defining note is the 11th (A). 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 an open-sounding minor tonic in folk, indie, and modal music.
Drill it
The E minor 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.
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Frequently asked
- What notes are in a Em(add11) chord?
- Em(add11) contains four notes: E, G, B, A.
- How is Em(add11) different from Em7?
- Em(add11) adds the 11th (A) on top of the underlying 7th chord. The 11th extends the chord into the next octave and adds harmonic colour.
- When is Em(add11) used in music?
- Functions as an open-sounding minor tonic in folk, indie, and modal music.