Gmaj7#11: How to Play This Lush Jazz Guitar Chord

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What is a Gmaj7#11 chord?

The Gmaj7#11 chord is one of the most beautiful and modern-sounding voicings in jazz guitar. Built on a G major 7th chord, the sharp 11 adds color, tension, and a hint of ambiguity — without sounding harsh.

Here’s what it includes:

  • G (root)
  • B (major 3rd)
  • F# (major 7th)
  • C# (sharp 11)

That sharp 11 is the key. It replaces the fifth and gives the chord a dreamy, floating quality. If you’re playing over modal tunes or want a major chord that doesn’t sound too “basic,” this is your move.

How to Play a Gmaj7#11 on Guitar

Here’s one of my favorite voicings for Gmaj7#11. It’s simple, movable, and easy to grab once you get used to it.

Finger Pattern:

  • Index finger: C# (2nd string, #11)
  • Middle finger: G (6th string root)
  • Ring finger: F# (4th string, major 7th)
  • Pinky: B (3rd string, major 3rd)

Pro tip:
The shape looks stretchy at first, but it’s more ergonomic than it seems.

Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to move it to any key — just shift the root note on the 6th string.

When to Use Gmaj7#11

You don’t have to wait for a chart to say “Gmaj7#11” — you can often substitute it for any plain Gmaj7 when you want to add more flavor.

Great situations to use Gmaj7#11:

  • At the end of a ii–V–I in G major
  • When you’re comping for someone and want to add more color
  • Anywhere you’d play a Gmaj7 and want a little more lift or ambiguity

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A Smooth ii–V–I with Gmaj7#11

Try this progression — it sounds sophisticated, but your fingers barely move:

  • Am11
  • D7(#11)
  • Gmaj7(#11)

The trick? Most of the shapes just slide down one fret. This gives you a colorful progression with almost no physical effort.

Improv Tip: Arpeggio Line for Gmaj7#11

If you want to solo over Gmaj7#11, try this arpeggio shape:

  • G (root)
  • B (3rd)
  • C# (#11)
  • F# (7th)
  • A (9th)

It outlines the chord and gives you just enough movement to keep things melodic. You can also work it into a ii–V–I line by chromatically targeting the 3rd of G (B) from the D7 chord.

Final Thoughts

The Gmaj7#11 chord gives you a modern sound with minimal effort. Learn the shape, get comfortable moving it around, and start working it into your progressions. Once you hear how rich it sounds, you’ll never go back to plain major 7s.

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