F#mtap to play
G#mtap to play
Atap to play
Btap to play
Key
F#m
Difficulty
Intermediate
Capo
None
Chords
F#m · G#m · A · B
Billie Jean Chords – Guitar
F#mtap to play
G#mtap to play
Atap to play
Btap to play
Key
F#m
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
F#m · G#m · A · B
Billie Jean Chords – Ukulele
F#mtap to play
G#mtap to play
Atap to play
Btap to play
Key
F#m
Difficulty
Intermediate
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
F#m · G#m · A · B
Billie Jean Chords – Piano
F#mtap to play
G#mtap to play
Atap to play
Btap to play
Key
F#m
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
F#m · G#m · A · B
Billie Jean Chords – Banjo
F#mtap to play
G#mtap to play
Atap to play
Btap to play
Key
F#m
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
F#m · G#m · A · B
Billie Jean Chords – Mandolin
F#mtap to play
G#mtap to play
Atap to play
Btap to play
Key
F#m
Difficulty
Intermediate
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
F#m · G#m · A · B
Billie Jean Chords – Harmonica
The King of Pop’s legendary bassline and four-chord groove. One of the greatest pop songs ever written.
Funk Pattern (4/4 Time)
↓↑↓↑
1234
Tip: On guitar, focus on the bass line first. On piano, the left hand bass line is the star — a repeating pattern on F# and C#.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
F#m – G#m
A – B
F#m
Chorus
F#m – G#m
A – B
F#m – G#m
A – B – F#m
How to Play
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Learn the chords
This song uses 4 chords in the key of F#m: F#m G#m A B. Get each shape clean on its own first.
2
Practice the changes
Switch slowly between the two hardest chords in a loop until the move feels automatic — no strumming yet.
3
Add the strumming
Bring in a simple down-strum once the changes are smooth, then build up to the song’s rhythm.
4
Play along
Play with the original track to lock in the timing and feel.
Tip: Bm trips up most beginners — try Bm7 or a partial shape first, then move to the full barre once your changes are clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Billie Jean"?
You need 4 intermediate-friendly chords: F#m, G#m, A and B.
Is "Billie Jean" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated intermediate and uses only 4 chords in the key of F#m, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Billie Jean" in?
It is in the key of F#m.
Who wrote "Billie Jean"?
It was written by Michael Jackson.