Amaj11

Amaj11 is a chord name used in tonal music to denote a major eleventh chord built on the root A. It is typically interpreted as a major seventh chord with added ninth and eleventh. In common practice, the basic pitch content is A, C#, E, G#, B, and D. The fifth (E) is often omitted in practical voicings, and the 11th (D) can clash with the major third (C#) or the major seventh (G#). As a result, players commonly arrange voicings that place or omit certain tones to reduce dissonance, such as omitting the fifth or adjusting the order of notes.

Voicings and varieties: In close position, a complete voicing reads A C# E G# B D. Variants include omitting the fifth (A C# G# B D) or placing the 11th in the bass (D A C# E G#). In jazz notation, it is often written as Amaj7(9,11) or Amaj9(11), with the understanding that some tones may be left out for clarity in a given texture.

Function and usage: Amaj11 is used as a color chord in jazz, fusion, and pop, frequently functioning as a Imaj11 or IVmaj11 depending on the key center. It can resolve to A major or move to related chords in a progression such as Bm7-E7-Amaj11 (ii–V–I in A major). The chord is valued for a lush, airy sound that preserves the major quality while adding the sonority of the 9th and 11th.