A 13th #11 (A13#11) — Complete Guitar Chord Guide Overview A 13th #11 is a dominant chord built on the root A. The notes are A, C#, E, G, B, D#, F, following the formula 1 - 3 - 5 - b7 - 9 - #11 - 13. This chord is essential for guitarists exploring Jazz, Fusion music and appears in countless songs across multiple genres. The 13th #11 quality gives it a distinctive harmonic character that creates tension and forward momentum. Music Theory The A 13th #11 chord uses the interval formula 1 - 3 - 5 - b7 - 9 - #11 - 13, producing the Root (1), Major Third (3), Perfect Fifth (5), Minor Seventh (b7), Major Ninth (9), Sharp Eleventh (#11), Major Thirteenth (13). The notes A, C#, E, G, B, D#, F define its unique sonic footprint. Constructing this chord begins with the A major scale (A B C# D E F# G#). Taking the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and flatted 7th builds the dominant 7th — the tritone between 3 and b7 creates the pull to resolve. Playing Tips For advanced level players, A13#11 requires advanced finger positioning and voice-leading awareness. Explore inversions, extensions, and substitutions to fully exploit the chords harmonic potential. Musical Applications A 13th #11 is most commonly found in Jazz, Fusion, Lydian Dominant music. Typical uses include driving harmonic motion in blues and jazz, creating tension before resolution, and adding color to funk and R&B. Common chord progressions include . Practice Recommendations Start with 5-minute sessions focusing on clean articulation of each note. Gradually increase to 10-minute transition drills with a metronome, then 20-minute arpeggio and rhythm variation practice. At 30 minutes, apply the chord to full progressions at increasing tempos. Record your practice to identify areas for improvement.