C11 Ukulele Chord
Need the C11 chord for a song? It is a barre shape, which feels awkward at first but is well worth learning. Your fingers go on the g, C and A strings. The steps below show exactly where each one sits.
A three-finger shape. Here is how to play C11, step by step.
- Notes: C, E, G, Bb, D and F
- Frets: 3 5 0 3
- Tuning: g C E A
C11 ukulele chord details
- Type
- Dominant 11th
- Also known as
- C eleventh
- Formula
- 1 3 5 b7 9 11
- Intervals
- C (root), E (major 3rd), G (perfect 5th), Bb (minor 7th), D (9th), F (11th)
- Notes
- C, E, G, Bb, D and F
- Frets
- 3 5 0 3
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Tuning
- Standard (g C E A)
How to play the C11 chord
Here is the C11 chord step by step:
- Put your index finger on the 3rd fret of the g string.
- Put your little finger on the 5th fret of the C string.
- Put your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the A string.
- Leave the E string open.
- Strum all four strings.
It is a bit of a stretch, so go slow and let your hand learn the shape. These quick tips for tricky chords help. New to these grids? Have a look at how to read a ukulele chord diagram.
What notes are in the C11 chord?
The C11 chord is built from six notes: C, E, G, Bb, D and F (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 C11 chord
Want to go further?
Once C11 feels comfortable, its close relatives are worth exploring: try C7, Cmaj7, Cm and C. C11 pairs most often with G, Am and F, 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.