Chord & FretCmaj11 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 Cmaj11 voicing the bass is F and the shape runs from fret 3 to 5, ringing 2 open strings. Because this instrument has fewer strings than Cmaj11 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 in Cmaj11: C – E – G – B – D – FFormula: 1 – 3 – 5 – 7 – 9 – 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: Modal jazz and keyboard arrangements; more of a texture than an arrival chord.
The shapes of Cmaj11 on cavaquinho don't end on this page — the whole neck holds dozens. In Chord & Fret, you hear every shape strummed string by string, in the instrument's own voice; 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. Plays offline.
See the whole neck in Chord & Fret →Part of the Extended family.