How to play the Ebm11 chord on guitar
Unlock the rich sound of Ebm11, featured in hits like "Stairway to Heaven."
The Ebm11 chord
The Ebm11 chord, pronounced E-flat minor eleventh, is a complex and intriguing guitar chord. It adds the 11th note to the standard Ebm triad, creating a rich, jazzy sound. This chord is often used in genres like jazz, funk, and neo-soul to add depth and sophistication to progressions. Notable songs featuring Ebm11 include "Isn't She Lovely" by Stevie Wonder and "Neon" by John Mayer.
There are many ways to play a chord. Here's a diagram for the most common Ebm11 chord. We've also included other versions below.
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Finger placement for Ebm11 chord
The Ebm11 chord is typically played as a barre chord on the 6th fret of the guitar.
Follow these finger positions to play a Ebm11 chord on your guitar:
- Place your index finger on the 6th fret of the 1st (high E), 2nd (B), 3rd (G), 4th (D), 5th (A), and 6th (low E) strings, forming a barre.
- Place your middle finger on the 7th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
- Place your ring finger on the 8th fret of the 5th (A) string.
- Place your pinky finger on the 8th fret of the 4th (D) string.
To strum this chord, play all six strings together in a downward motion, ensuring that each string rings out clearly.
How to play an easy Ebm11 chord on guitar
If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the Ebm11 chord, try playing the basic Eb minor triad (Eb, Gb, Bb) and adding the 11th note (C) on a higher string when you feel comfortable. This simplified version will still capture the essence of the Ebm11 chord without requiring complex fingering or a barre shape.
How to play a Ebm11 bar chord
The Ebm11 chord is typically played as individual notes rather than a barre chord shape on guitar. I don't feel confident providing instructions for a popular barre chord version of Ebm11.
Common Ebm11 chord progressions
The Ebm11 chord is often used in jazz and neo-soul progressions to add a sophisticated, dreamy, and slightly melancholic feel to the harmony. Some common chord progressions featuring the Ebm11 chord include:
- i11 - v7 - i11 (Ebm11 - Bbm7 - Ebm11)
- i11 - iv7 - VII7 - III7 (Ebm11 - Abm7 - D7 - G7)
- i11 - V7/iv - iv7 - V7 (Ebm11 - Eb7 - Abm7 - Bb7)
- i11 - bVI7 - ii7 - V7 (Ebm11 - Cb7 - Fm7 - Bb7)
- i11 - iv7 - i11 - V7/V (Ebm11 - Abm7 - Ebm11 - F7)
Drills to master the Ebm11 chord
To master the Ebm11 chord, try playing each note individually, focusing on clean execution. Once comfortable, play the notes in pairs, such as Eb-Gb, Bb-Db, and F-Ab. Gradually increase the speed and combine more notes until you can play the full chord.
Another effective drill is to practice transitioning between Ebm11 and other chords in the key of Eb minor, such as Bbm7 or Fm9. This will help you develop muscle memory and make the Ebm11 chord feel more natural in a musical context.
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Songs that feature the Ebm11 chord
Here are 3 popular songs you can play with the Ebm11 chord.
- All of Me by John Legend (Ebm11, Db/F, Ab/C, Fm7, Db, Bbm7, Ebm)
- Fallin' by Alicia Keys (Ebm11, Ebm7, Gb, Abm7, Db7, Gb/Bb, Cbm7, Fbm7)
- Ordinary People by John Legend (Fm7, Ebm11, Db/F, Gbmaj7, Abm7, Db7sus4, Gb/Db)
How a guitar teacher can help
If you feel stuck in your playing, it might help to take personalized guitar lessons with an expert guitarist. Taking lessons with a pro gives you access to the skills, feedback, and motivation to reach your goals.
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