Cm11: guitar chord voicings, inversions, scales and arpeggios

Cm11 (m11) is an interactive GuitarArcanum page with chord formula, intervals, voicings, inversions, triads, pentatonic patterns, scales and arpeggios on the fretboard.

Chord formula

Interval formula: 1 b3 5 b7 9 11. A minor chord with the 11th. Unlike the major, here the 11th fits perfectly — a full, rich minor.

Chord tones

Over a minor 3rd the 11th doesn't clash, so all the notes coexist. The 5th and even the root are often dropped, leaving b3, b7, 9 and 11.

Sound character

Full, open and modern minor — common in neo-soul and modal jazz.

Harmonic function

A minor tonic or the ii chord. Stable and rich.

Typical progressions

  • Cm11 (modal vamp)
  • Dm11 – G7 – Cmaj7
  • Cm11 – F11

Guitar voicing advice

A handy shape is a Bb major triad over C (Bb/C): root in the bass, b3/b7/9/11 on top. Drop the 5th.

Compatible scales for Cm11

Other chord qualities on the C root

Compare this chord with other qualities sharing the same root.