Sharp 11 Chord Explained: The Gospel Pianist’s Secret Weapon

Sharp 11 Chord Explained: The Gospel Pianist’s Secret Weapon

In this video, I break down the dominant 7♯11 chord, a must-know for gospel pianists looking to add richness to their playing. I explain how to build it from a C7 chord, adding the ♯11 extension and incorporating the 13th for a fuller sound. I also cover upper structure triads, Lydian scales, and how to apply this voicing in progressions like 2-5-1s and secondary dominants—demonstrated in songs like "Never Would Have Made It - Marvin Sapp"

CHAPTERS:
00:01 - Introduction & "Never Would Have Made It" Chord Breakdown
01:00 - Welcome & Subscribe for More Gospel Piano Lessons
01:30 - Understanding the Dominant 7♯11 Chord
02:20 - Building the Sharp 11 Chord in Different Keys
03:05 - Using Upper Structure Triads for Sharp 11 Chords
03:45 - The Power of the 9, ♯11, and 13 Extensions
04:12 - How to Practice Effectively & My Structured Program
04:57 - Applying Sharp 11 Chords in Different Keys
05:31 - The Lydian Scale & How It Relates to Sharp 11
06:16 - Understanding Modes for Gospel Improvisation
06:55 - Applying Lydian Over Sharp 11 Chords in Any Key
07:56 - Using Sharp 11 in Gospel Progressions
08:55 - "Never Would Have Made It" - Sharp 11 Applications
10:00 - Gospel Progressions: 3-6-2-5-1 with Sharp 11
10:53 - Chromatic Slides & Voicing Tricks for Sharp 11
11:31 - Inverting Upper Structure Triads for More Voicings
12:33 - Finding the Best Sharp 11 Voicings for Gospel Feel
13:31 - "Give Thanks" Chord Progression with Sharp 11
14:38 - When to Use Sharp 11 Chords in Gospel Music
15:43 - Sharp 11 in Turnarounds & Passing Chords
16:29 - Final Tips & How to Implement Sharp 11 Instantly
17:13 - Where to Learn More & Join My Gospel Piano Program
17:47 - Closing Thoughts & Next Steps for Your Playing