Chord & FretC7(#11) on cavaquinho
On the cavaquinho, four steel strings tuned D–G–B–D pack the chord into a small, bright space — every finger counts. In this position the bass is E and the shape runs from fret 1 to 4. Because this instrument has fewer strings than C7(#11) has notes, one note — usually the fifth — is normally dropped without losing the chord's identity. Its four steel strings give a bright, sharp attack that cuts through the mix and drives the beat.
Notes on C: C – E – G – Bb – F#Formula: 1 – 3 – 5 – b7 – #11In the formula, the numbers count steps of the major scale starting from the note that names the chord; "b" lowers a half step, "#" raises one — and a slash names the bass note.
Where to use it: You hear it a lot in jazz and bossa nova turnarounds — which simply means those short chord loops that close a section and set up the restart. It is also a classic ending color: a last chord that sounds like a question mark instead of a period.
Every region of the neck hides more shapes of C7(#11) on cavaquinho. In Chord & Fret, you check it note by note, playing any shape as an arpeggio; open every variation on the neck, grouped by bass note; and set a capo — the diagrams redraw above it. Start free. Unlock everything with Pro. 100% offline.
Unlock in Chord & Fret →Part of the Altered dominants family.