A11 Ukulele Chord
Want to play the A11 chord on your ukulele? It is a barre shape, which feels awkward at first but is well worth learning. Your fingers go on the g, C, E and A strings. The steps below show exactly where each one sits.
A three-finger shape. Here is how to play A11, step by step.
- Notes: A, Db, E, G, B and D
- Frets: 2 2 3 4
- Tuning: g C E A
A11 ukulele chord details
- Type
- Dominant 11th
- Also known as
- A eleventh
- Formula
- 1 3 5 b7 9 11
- Intervals
- A (root), Db (major 3rd), E (perfect 5th), G (minor 7th), B (9th), D (11th)
- Notes
- A, Db, E, G, B and D
- Frets
- 2 2 3 4
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Tuning
- Standard (g C E A)
How to play the A11 chord
Here is the A11 chord step by step:
- Lay your index finger flat across the g and C strings at the 2nd fret, a small barre.
- Put your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the E string.
- Put your ring finger on the 4th fret of the A string.
- Strum all four strings.
Roll your index finger slightly onto its bony side so it presses every string evenly. Read how to play bar chords if it keeps buzzing. New to these grids? Have a look at how to read a ukulele chord diagram.
What notes are in the A11 chord?
The A11 chord is built from six notes: A, Db, E, G, B and D (the root, major 3rd, perfect 5th, minor 7th, 9th and 11th). That flat seventh makes a dominant 7th restless. It leans forward and wants to resolve to the next chord, which is why it turns up all over blues and folk. New to these? Have a read about seventh chords.
Ukulele songs that use the A11 chord
Want to go further?
Once A11 feels comfortable, its close relatives are worth exploring: try A7, Amaj7, Am and A. A11 pairs most often with D, E and Bm, so the few basic chords next to it go a long way. Then put it into a strumming pattern. When you are ready, try some easy ukulele songs.