How do you play the E m(add9)/A chord?

To play the E m(add9)/A chord on piano, play the E m(add9) chord (E, G, B and F#) with A as the lowest bass note. Place the A 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 E m(add9)/A chord means a E m(add9) chord with A in the bass.

E m(add9)/A

Q: What notes are in the E m(add9)/A chord?

The E m(add9)/A chord uses the 4 notes of the E m(add9) chord — E (Perfect unison), G (Minor third), B (Perfect fifth) and F# (Major ninth) — with A played as the bass note in the lowest register.

The E m(add9) chord consists of the E (Perfect unison), G (Minor third), B (Perfect fifth) and F# (Major ninth) notes, with A as the bass note.

Piano keyboard showing the notes for a E m(add9)/A chord

How to play the E m(add9)/A chord

Play A as the lowest bass note in the left hand
Find E (Root) on the piano keyboard
Add G (Minor third) — 3 semitones above E
Add B (Perfect fifth) — 7 semitones above E
Add F# (Major ninth) — 14 semitones above E
Press all 5 notes simultaneously to sound the E m(add9)/A chord

Related slash chords

E m(add2)/A