How do you play the E m(maj7)(#5)/D chord?

To play the E m(maj7)(#5)/D chord on piano, play the E m(maj7)(#5) chord (E, G, C and D#) with D as the lowest bass note. Place the D 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(maj7)(#5)/D chord means a E m(maj7)(#5) chord with D in the bass.

E m(maj7)(#5)/D

Q: What notes are in the E m(maj7)(#5)/D chord?

The E m(maj7)(#5)/D chord uses the 4 notes of the E m(maj7)(#5) chord — E (Perfect unison), G (Minor third), C (Minor sixth) and D# (Major seventh) — with D played as the bass note in the lowest register.

The E m(maj7)(#5) chord consists of the E (Perfect unison), G (Minor third), C (Minor sixth) and D# (Major seventh) notes, with D as the bass note.

Piano keyboard showing the notes for a E m(maj7)(#5)/D chord

How to play the E m(maj7)(#5)/D chord

Play D 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 C (Minor sixth) — 8 semitones above E
Add D# (Major seventh) — 11 semitones above E
Press all 5 notes simultaneously to sound the E m(maj7)(#5)/D chord