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Old 06-11-2018, 10:03 PM
Beakybird Beakybird is offline
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Default The prettiest minor 11ths on the guitar

I'm working on a composition that has a minor 11th in 4 different keys.

I wanted to share the most beautiful ways that I have found to get this mysterious sounding chord - I'm sure previously discovered by thousands of superior musicians before me. They sound especially satisfying picked IMO.

Em11: 0 10 9 7 10 0

F#m11: 2 4 4 2 0 0. I get the low E with my thumb.

G#m11: 4 6 4 6 0 4. I find using the thumb is easier. The high E string can be hard to fret and can be muted.

Am11: X 0 5 5 3 0

Bm11: 7 9 7 7 7 0: the A string can be hard to fret and can be muted. Another fingering: X 2 4 2 3 0.

C#m11: 9 11 9 11 0 0. I use my thumb on the low E. This is my favorite

And here's a beautiful minor 11 that can be done up and down the neck that, with practice, can be played rather easily.

Dm11: X 5 7 5 6 3. Most would play this chord the easy way: X 5 X 5 6 3.
I use my middle finger to bar the 3rd, 4th, and 5th string, the pinky plays the D string, the ring finger plays the B string, and the index finger reaches the high E. I find the stretch is usually worth the extra effort.

If one person here enjoys just one of these chords, then my efforts were worth it.
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Last edited by Beakybird; 06-11-2018 at 10:15 PM.
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  #2  
Old 06-11-2018, 11:06 PM
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rick-slo rick-slo is offline
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Yes, the last one is the best. Personally when I am exploring chords I immediately start thinking chord progressions. For example the following arpeggiated progression came to mind:

Staff 1 the basic chords and staffs 2 and 3 selected notes from those chords arpeggiated

(You could repeat this or go on to some other chord progression such as Dmaj7 - G#7 - C#m7 - F#+5 - B9 - E7 - A)

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Last edited by rick-slo; 06-11-2018 at 11:25 PM.
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Old 06-12-2018, 03:46 AM
JonPR JonPR is offline
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Em11? That's this, ain't it? 0-0-0-0-0-0

Seriously, all great sounds, although a few shapes seem unnecessarily difficult to me.

How about the "So What" chords:
Em11: x-7-7-7-8-7
Dm11: x-5-5-5-6-5

Some Bm11s:
7-5-7-6-0-0 (includes the 9th too!)
7-9-7-9-0-0
7-9-0-9-10-0
7-9-7-9-7-10 (maybe not the prettiest sounding, but movable)
7-9-9-9-10-10 (quartal, and ditto)

Em11
0-10-7-7-7-7 (includes the 9th)
0-2-5-2-3-2 (ditto)
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Old 06-12-2018, 05:20 AM
Beakybird Beakybird is offline
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I like most the sound of two one step intervals in the chord. When picked, it sounds like you're playing a melody, not just a chord.

Rick-slo, that looks like a tasteful progression.
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Last edited by Beakybird; 06-12-2018 at 06:57 AM.
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Old 06-12-2018, 04:11 PM
Beakybird Beakybird is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JonPR View Post
Em11? That's this, ain't it? 0-0-0-0-0-0

Seriously, all great sounds, although a few shapes seem unnecessarily difficult to me.

How about the "So What" chords:
Em11: x-7-7-7-8-7
Dm11: x-5-5-5-6-5

Some Bm11s:
7-5-7-6-0-0 (includes the 9th too!)
7-9-7-9-0-0
7-9-0-9-10-0
7-9-7-9-7-10 (maybe not the prettiest sounding, but movable)
7-9-9-9-10-10 (quartal, and ditto)

Em11
0-10-7-7-7-7 (includes the 9th)
0-2-5-2-3-2 (ditto)
I like some of these structures with the 9th. Some are missing the 5th, but they got that ethereal sound.

I just put my wife to sleep playing minor 11ths and add4 chords.

You said a few of my chords are unnecessarily difficult. If it puts my wife to sleep so she doesn't nag me, it's necessary!

I forgot Em11: 0 5 5 2 0 0. Then you play G on the bass for the Gadd9 or G6/9.
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  #6  
Old 06-13-2018, 08:30 AM
JonPR JonPR is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Beakybird View Post
I like some of these structures with the 9th. Some are missing the 5th, but they got that ethereal sound.

I just put my wife to sleep playing minor 11ths and add4 chords.
Hey, now there's one practical use for them!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Beakybird View Post
You said a few of my chords are unnecessarily difficult. If it puts my wife to sleep so she doesn't nag me, it's necessary!
Right!

"Shut those f****** twangy noises and do some cleaning for a change!"
"Wait - listen to this one... you are feeling sleeee-pyyyyy..."
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