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Human Nature Chords

Michael Jackson Intermediate Key of G 5 Chords 3 min read Updated Jul 2026

Gtap to play

Atap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

F#mtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Intermediate

Capo

None

Chords

G · A · D · Em · F#m

Human Nature Chords – Guitar

Michael Jackson’s smooth and introspective ballad about the call of the city and human connection. Intermediate difficulty in the key of G.

Fingerstyle Feel (4/4 Time)

↓×↑↓↑↓↑

1234567

Tip: Use a light touch and let the chords ring out; the groove is in the syncopated bass notes and vocal melody.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

G C G

Lookin’ out across the night-time

D C G

The city winks a sleepless eye

G C G

Hear her voice, shake my window

D C

Sweet seducing sighs

Verse 2

G C G

Get me out into the night-time

D C G

Four walls won’t hold me tonight

G C G

If this town is just an apple

D C

Then let me take a bite

Chorus

G C

If they say, “Why? Why?”

G D

Tell ’em that it’s human nature

G C G

Why? Why? Does he do me that way?

D G C

If they say, “Why? Why?”

G D

Tell ’em that it’s human nature

G C G

Why? Why? Does he do me that way?

D

Verse 3

G C G

Reaching out to touch a stranger

D C G

Electric eyes are ev’rywhere

G C G

See that girl, she knows I’m watchin’

D C

She likes the way I stare

Chorus

G C

If they say, “Why? Why?”

G D

Tell ’em that it’s human nature

G C G

Why? Why? Does he do me that way?

D G C

If they say, “Why? Why?”

G D

Tell ’em that it’s human nature

G C G

Why? Why? Does he do me that way?

D

Bridge

Am D

I like livin’ this way

Am D

I like lovin’ this way

Chorus

G C

If they say, “Why? Why?”

G D

Tell ’em that it’s human nature

G C G

Why? Why? Does he do me that way?

D G C

If they say, “Why? Why?”

G D

Tell ’em that it’s human nature

G C G

Why? Why? Does he do me that way?

D

Outro

G C G

Looking out across the morning

D C G

The city’s heart begins to beat

G C G

Reaching out, I touch her shoulder

D C

I’m dreaming of the street

Practice tip: Master the G to C and G to D transitions cleanly, as they form the core of the song; practice the chorus melody separately to nail the rhythmic phrasing of the “Why? Why?” parts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Human Nature"?

You need 5 intermediate-friendly chords: G, A, D, Em and F#m.

Is "Human Nature" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 5 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Human Nature" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Human Nature"?

It was written by Steve Porcaro, John Bettis, and released in 1982.

Gtap to play

Atap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

F#mtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Intermediate

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

G · A · D · Em · F#m

Human Nature Chords – Ukulele

Michael Jackson’s smooth and introspective ballad about the call of the city and human connection. Intermediate difficulty in the key of G.

Fingerstyle Feel (4/4 Time)

↓×↑↓↑↓↑

1234567

Tip: Use a light touch and let the chords ring out; the groove is in the syncopated bass notes and vocal melody.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

G C G

Lookin’ out across the night-time

D C G

The city winks a sleepless eye

G C G

Hear her voice, shake my window

D C

Sweet seducing sighs

Verse 2

G C G

Get me out into the night-time

D C G

Four walls won’t hold me tonight

G C G

If this town is just an apple

D C

Then let me take a bite

Chorus

G C

If they say, “Why? Why?”

G D

Tell ’em that it’s human nature

G C G

Why? Why? Does he do me that way?

D G C

If they say, “Why? Why?”

G D

Tell ’em that it’s human nature

G C G

Why? Why? Does he do me that way?

D

Verse 3

G C G

Reaching out to touch a stranger

D C G

Electric eyes are ev’rywhere

G C G

See that girl, she knows I’m watchin’

D C

She likes the way I stare

Chorus

G C

If they say, “Why? Why?”

G D

Tell ’em that it’s human nature

G C G

Why? Why? Does he do me that way?

D G C

If they say, “Why? Why?”

G D

Tell ’em that it’s human nature

G C G

Why? Why? Does he do me that way?

D

Bridge

Am D

I like livin’ this way

Am D

I like lovin’ this way

Chorus

G C

If they say, “Why? Why?”

G D

Tell ’em that it’s human nature

G C G

Why? Why? Does he do me that way?

D G C

If they say, “Why? Why?”

G D

Tell ’em that it’s human nature

G C G

Why? Why? Does he do me that way?

D

Outro

G C G

Looking out across the morning

D C G

The city’s heart begins to beat

G C G

Reaching out, I touch her shoulder

D C

I’m dreaming of the street

Practice tip: Master the G to C and G to D transitions cleanly, as they form the core of the song; practice the chorus melody separately to nail the rhythmic phrasing of the “Why? Why?” parts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Human Nature"?

You need 5 intermediate-friendly chords: G, A, D, Em and F#m.

Is "Human Nature" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 5 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Human Nature" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Human Nature"?

It was written by Steve Porcaro, John Bettis, and released in 1982.

Gtap to play

Atap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

F#mtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Intermediate

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

G · A · D · Em · F#m

Human Nature Chords – Piano

Michael Jackson’s smooth and introspective ballad about the call of the city and human connection. Intermediate difficulty in the key of G.

Fingerstyle Feel (4/4 Time)

↓×↑↓↑↓↑

1234567

Tip: Use a light touch and let the chords ring out; the groove is in the syncopated bass notes and vocal melody.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

G C G

Lookin’ out across the night-time

D C G

The city winks a sleepless eye

G C G

Hear her voice, shake my window

D C

Sweet seducing sighs

Verse 2

G C G

Get me out into the night-time

D C G

Four walls won’t hold me tonight

G C G

If this town is just an apple

D C

Then let me take a bite

Chorus

G C

If they say, “Why? Why?”

G D

Tell ’em that it’s human nature

G C G

Why? Why? Does he do me that way?

D G C

If they say, “Why? Why?”

G D

Tell ’em that it’s human nature

G C G

Why? Why? Does he do me that way?

D

Verse 3

G C G

Reaching out to touch a stranger

D C G

Electric eyes are ev’rywhere

G C G

See that girl, she knows I’m watchin’

D C

She likes the way I stare

Chorus

G C

If they say, “Why? Why?”

G D

Tell ’em that it’s human nature

G C G

Why? Why? Does he do me that way?

D G C

If they say, “Why? Why?”

G D

Tell ’em that it’s human nature

G C G

Why? Why? Does he do me that way?

D

Bridge

Am D

I like livin’ this way

Am D

I like lovin’ this way

Chorus

G C

If they say, “Why? Why?”

G D

Tell ’em that it’s human nature

G C G

Why? Why? Does he do me that way?

D G C

If they say, “Why? Why?”

G D

Tell ’em that it’s human nature

G C G

Why? Why? Does he do me that way?

D

Outro

G C G

Looking out across the morning

D C G

The city’s heart begins to beat

G C G

Reaching out, I touch her shoulder

D C

I’m dreaming of the street

Practice tip: Master the G to C and G to D transitions cleanly, as they form the core of the song; practice the chorus melody separately to nail the rhythmic phrasing of the “Why? Why?” parts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Human Nature"?

You need 5 intermediate-friendly chords: G, A, D, Em and F#m.

Is "Human Nature" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 5 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Human Nature" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Human Nature"?

It was written by Steve Porcaro, John Bettis, and released in 1982.

Gtap to play

Atap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

F#mtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Intermediate

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

G · A · D · Em · F#m

Human Nature Chords – Banjo

Michael Jackson’s smooth and introspective ballad about the call of the city and human connection. Intermediate difficulty in the key of G.

Fingerstyle Feel (4/4 Time)

↓×↑↓↑↓↑

1234567

Tip: Use a light touch and let the chords ring out; the groove is in the syncopated bass notes and vocal melody.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

G C G

Lookin’ out across the night-time

D C G

The city winks a sleepless eye

G C G

Hear her voice, shake my window

D C

Sweet seducing sighs

Verse 2

G C G

Get me out into the night-time

D C G

Four walls won’t hold me tonight

G C G

If this town is just an apple

D C

Then let me take a bite

Chorus

G C

If they say, “Why? Why?”

G D

Tell ’em that it’s human nature

G C G

Why? Why? Does he do me that way?

D G C

If they say, “Why? Why?”

G D

Tell ’em that it’s human nature

G C G

Why? Why? Does he do me that way?

D

Verse 3

G C G

Reaching out to touch a stranger

D C G

Electric eyes are ev’rywhere

G C G

See that girl, she knows I’m watchin’

D C

She likes the way I stare

Chorus

G C

If they say, “Why? Why?”

G D

Tell ’em that it’s human nature

G C G

Why? Why? Does he do me that way?

D G C

If they say, “Why? Why?”

G D

Tell ’em that it’s human nature

G C G

Why? Why? Does he do me that way?

D

Bridge

Am D

I like livin’ this way

Am D

I like lovin’ this way

Chorus

G C

If they say, “Why? Why?”

G D

Tell ’em that it’s human nature

G C G

Why? Why? Does he do me that way?

D G C

If they say, “Why? Why?”

G D

Tell ’em that it’s human nature

G C G

Why? Why? Does he do me that way?

D

Outro

G C G

Looking out across the morning

D C G

The city’s heart begins to beat

G C G

Reaching out, I touch her shoulder

D C

I’m dreaming of the street

Practice tip: Master the G to C and G to D transitions cleanly, as they form the core of the song; practice the chorus melody separately to nail the rhythmic phrasing of the “Why? Why?” parts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Human Nature"?

You need 5 intermediate-friendly chords: G, A, D, Em and F#m.

Is "Human Nature" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 5 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Human Nature" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Human Nature"?

It was written by Steve Porcaro, John Bettis, and released in 1982.

Gtap to play

Atap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

F#mtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Intermediate

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

G · A · D · Em · F#m

Human Nature Chords – Mandolin

Michael Jackson’s smooth and introspective ballad about the call of the city and human connection. Intermediate difficulty in the key of G.

Fingerstyle Feel (4/4 Time)

↓×↑↓↑↓↑

1234567

Tip: Use a light touch and let the chords ring out; the groove is in the syncopated bass notes and vocal melody.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

G C G

Lookin’ out across the night-time

D C G

The city winks a sleepless eye

G C G

Hear her voice, shake my window

D C

Sweet seducing sighs

Verse 2

G C G

Get me out into the night-time

D C G

Four walls won’t hold me tonight

G C G

If this town is just an apple

D C

Then let me take a bite

Chorus

G C

If they say, “Why? Why?”

G D

Tell ’em that it’s human nature

G C G

Why? Why? Does he do me that way?

D G C

If they say, “Why? Why?”

G D

Tell ’em that it’s human nature

G C G

Why? Why? Does he do me that way?

D

Verse 3

G C G

Reaching out to touch a stranger

D C G

Electric eyes are ev’rywhere

G C G

See that girl, she knows I’m watchin’

D C

She likes the way I stare

Chorus

G C

If they say, “Why? Why?”

G D

Tell ’em that it’s human nature

G C G

Why? Why? Does he do me that way?

D G C

If they say, “Why? Why?”

G D

Tell ’em that it’s human nature

G C G

Why? Why? Does he do me that way?

D

Bridge

Am D

I like livin’ this way

Am D

I like lovin’ this way

Chorus

G C

If they say, “Why? Why?”

G D

Tell ’em that it’s human nature

G C G

Why? Why? Does he do me that way?

D G C

If they say, “Why? Why?”

G D

Tell ’em that it’s human nature

G C G

Why? Why? Does he do me that way?

D

Outro

G C G

Looking out across the morning

D C G

The city’s heart begins to beat

G C G

Reaching out, I touch her shoulder

D C

I’m dreaming of the street

Practice tip: Master the G to C and G to D transitions cleanly, as they form the core of the song; practice the chorus melody separately to nail the rhythmic phrasing of the “Why? Why?” parts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Human Nature"?

You need 5 intermediate-friendly chords: G, A, D, Em and F#m.

Is "Human Nature" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 5 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Human Nature" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Human Nature"?

It was written by Steve Porcaro, John Bettis, and released in 1982.

Gtap to play

Atap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

F#mtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Intermediate

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

G · A · D · Em · F#m

Human Nature Chords – Harmonica

Michael Jackson’s smooth and introspective ballad about the call of the city and human connection. Intermediate difficulty in the key of G.

Fingerstyle Feel (4/4 Time)

↓×↑↓↑↓↑

1234567

Tip: Use a light touch and let the chords ring out; the groove is in the syncopated bass notes and vocal melody.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

G C G

Lookin’ out across the night-time

D C G

The city winks a sleepless eye

G C G

Hear her voice, shake my window

D C

Sweet seducing sighs

Verse 2

G C G

Get me out into the night-time

D C G

Four walls won’t hold me tonight

G C G

If this town is just an apple

D C

Then let me take a bite

Chorus

G C

If they say, “Why? Why?”

G D

Tell ’em that it’s human nature

G C G

Why? Why? Does he do me that way?

D G C

If they say, “Why? Why?”

G D

Tell ’em that it’s human nature

G C G

Why? Why? Does he do me that way?

D

Verse 3

G C G

Reaching out to touch a stranger

D C G

Electric eyes are ev’rywhere

G C G

See that girl, she knows I’m watchin’

D C

She likes the way I stare

Chorus

G C

If they say, “Why? Why?”

G D

Tell ’em that it’s human nature

G C G

Why? Why? Does he do me that way?

D G C

If they say, “Why? Why?”

G D

Tell ’em that it’s human nature

G C G

Why? Why? Does he do me that way?

D

Bridge

Am D

I like livin’ this way

Am D

I like lovin’ this way

Chorus

G C

If they say, “Why? Why?”

G D

Tell ’em that it’s human nature

G C G

Why? Why? Does he do me that way?

D G C

If they say, “Why? Why?”

G D

Tell ’em that it’s human nature

G C G

Why? Why? Does he do me that way?

D

Outro

G C G

Looking out across the morning

D C G

The city’s heart begins to beat

G C G

Reaching out, I touch her shoulder

D C

I’m dreaming of the street

Practice tip: Master the G to C and G to D transitions cleanly, as they form the core of the song; practice the chorus melody separately to nail the rhythmic phrasing of the “Why? Why?” parts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Human Nature"?

You need 5 intermediate-friendly chords: G, A, D, Em and F#m.

Is "Human Nature" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated intermediate and uses only 5 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Human Nature" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Human Nature"?

It was written by Steve Porcaro, John Bettis, and released in 1982.