How do you play the D dim/E chord?

To play the D dim/E chord on piano, play the D dim chord (D, F and G#) with E as the lowest bass note. Place the E note below the other chord tones. Slash chords specify a particular bass note different from the chord root.

What is a slash chord?

A slash chord (or compound chord) is written as Chord/Bass and specifies both a chord and a bass note. The note to the right of the slash is played as the lowest note. The D dim/E chord means a D dim chord with E in the bass.

D dim/E

Q: What notes are in the D dim/E chord?

The D dim/E chord uses the 3 notes of the D dim chord — D (Perfect unison), F (Minor third) and G# (Diminished fifth) — with E played as the bass note in the lowest register.

The D dim chord consists of the D (Perfect unison), F (Minor third) and G# (Diminished fifth) notes, with E as the bass note.

Piano keyboard showing the notes for a D dim/E chord

How to play the D dim/E chord

Play E as the lowest bass note in the left hand
Find D (Root) on the piano keyboard
Add F (Minor third) — 3 semitones above D
Add G# (Diminished fifth) — 6 semitones above D
Press all 4 notes simultaneously to sound the D dim/E chord

Inversions with same root

E 7(b9)(no5)