A# Eleventh Bass Arpeggio
Bass arpeggio — fretboard diagram
A# Eleventh Arpeggio — Notes and Intervals
Notes: A#, F, G#, C, D#
Intervals: 1P, 5P, 7m, 9M, 11P
Formula: 7-WH-2W-WH
Number of notes: 5
Also known as: 11
The A# Eleventh arpeggio contains 5 notes (A#, F, G#, C, D#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this arpeggio on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.
When to Use the A# Eleventh Arpeggio
Play the A# Eleventh arpeggio whenever a A# Eleventh chord appears in a progression. Unlike scales (which include passing tones), arpeggios guarantee every note you play IS a chord tone, making your solo sound harmonically precise and intentional.
Arpeggio vs. Scale
The A# Eleventh arpeggio uses 5 notes (A#, F, G#, C, D#) while the full scale uses 7. The arpeggio is a subset — think of it as the skeleton of the scale. Practice alternating between the arpeggio and the full scale to develop a melodic vocabulary that mixes chord tones with passing tones.
How to Play A# Eleventh Arpeggio on Bass
On bass, locate A# on the A string at fret 1. Span the 5 notes (A#, F, G#, C, D#) across two to three strings using one finger per fret. Focus on even tone production between plucked strings and smooth position shifts.
The A# Eleventh arpeggio contains extended tones beyond the basic triad, adding harmonic color and sophistication. Use it over A#9, A#11, A#13 chords to outline richer voicings in jazz, fusion, and neo-soul contexts.
Practice Routine
Practice the A# Eleventh arpeggio in different octaves, starting low and working up. Then try displacing the octaves — play the root low, the F an octave higher, and continue leaping. This trains your ear to hear the intervals (1P, 5P, 7m, 9M, 11P) in any register.
Bass Tips
Practice the A# Eleventh arpeggio on bass using a raking technique across adjacent strings for a smooth, flowing sound. Then try the same shape with a two-finger alternating pluck for a more defined, punchy articulation.