Bad Guy — Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

Bad Guy uses the chords Gm, Cm, Dm, Eb in the key of Gm. The progression follows a i–iv–v–VI pattern. This is a beginner-level song.

Pop · 2019 · Beginner

Bad Guy

by Billie Eilish
Key of Gm 135 BPM Beginner

Chord Sheet

Key of Gm · Progression: i–iv–v–VI

Gm
chord 1
Cm
chord 2
Dm
chord 3
Eb
chord 4
Chord Loop
Gm — Cm — Dm — Eb — ...
Roman Numeral Analysis
View the harmonic structure and functional analysis of this progression.
View Analysis →
Key
Gm
Tempo
135 BPM
Chords
4
Genre
Pop

Practice Tips for Bad Guy

  • →Start at 68 BPM (50% tempo) until chord changes feel smooth.
  • →Loop just the Gm→Cm transition repeatedly — this is often the hardest change.
  • →Use our Metronome set to 135 BPM for precise timing practice.
  • →Click any chord above to see its full piano keyboard and guitar fingering diagram.

How to Play Bad Guy by Billie Eilish

Bad Guy (2019) is a beginner-level pop song that uses 4 chords: Gm, Cm, Dm, Eb in the key of Gm. The chord progression is i–iv–v–VI.

Chord Breakdown

  • Gm — minor chord, darker emotional sound
  • Cm — minor chord, darker emotional sound
  • Dm — minor chord, darker emotional sound
  • Eb — major chord, bright and stable

About Bad Guy

"Bad Guy" by Billie Eilish (released 2019) is one of the most recognizable pop songs ever recorded. Its 4-chord structure demonstrates how a simple progression can create an emotionally powerful and memorable piece of music. The combination of Gm, Cm, Dm creates a harmonic loop that feels both complete and constantly forward-moving.

Learning Bad Guy as a Beginner

If you're learning to play Bad Guy, start by getting comfortable with each chord individually before trying to switch between them. The goal is to make each chord change automatic — your fingers should know where to go without you having to think about it. Practice the chord loop slowly with a metronome, and you'll be playing the full song within a few weeks.

Similar Songs (Same Key or Chords)

Creep
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G – B – C – Cm
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G · 92 BPM
Viva La Vida
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Ab – Eb – Fm – Db
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Ab · 138 BPM
Bohemian Rhapsody
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Bb – Gm – Cm – F – Eb
Advanced
Bb · 72 BPM
A Thousand Years
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Bb – F – Gm – Eb
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Bb · 45 BPM
Yesterday
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F – Em – A7 – Dm – Bb – C7
Intermediate
F · 96 BPM
Jolene
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Dm – F – C – Dm
Beginner
Dm · 148 BPM
Metronome
Practice at 135 BPM
Tuner
Tune your instrument
Piano
Play on virtual piano
Guitar
Play on fretboard

Knowledge Base & FAQs

Bad Guy by Billie Eilish — FAQ

Everything you need to know about our browser-based Web Audio engine, instruments, and music theory workspace.

What chords are in Bad Guy by Billie Eilish?

Bad Guy uses the chords Gm, Cm, Dm, Eb in the key of Gm.

The progression follows a i–iv–v–VI pattern. This is a beginner-level song.

What key is Bad Guy in?

Bad Guy by Billie Eilish is in the key of Gm.

The primary chords are Gm, Cm, Dm.

What is the tempo of Bad Guy?

Bad Guy is played at approximately 135 BPM.

This is a faster tempo — practice slowly first before bringing it to full speed. Use our free metronome to practice at exactly 135 BPM.

What strumming pattern does Bad Guy use?

Bad Guy is typically in 4/4 time.

A common strumming pattern is down-down-up-up-down-up (DDUUDU) or simplified all-down for beginners. Focus on getting chord changes smooth before adding strumming complexity.

How do I play Gm chord on guitar?

Gm is the main chord in Bad Guy.

See our chord library for the Gm chord diagram with exact fingering.

Can I play Bad Guy on piano?

Yes! Bad Guy sounds great on piano.

Play the chords Gm, Cm, Dm, Eb in root position or inversions. Left hand plays bass notes (root of each chord), right hand plays chord voicings. This is a beginner-level arrangement.

Is Bad Guy beginner-friendly?

Yes! Bad Guy is rated Beginner difficulty.

It uses 4 main chords (Gm, Cm, Dm), all easy open or basic chords. One of the best songs for new players to learn.

What is the chord progression in Bad Guy?

The main progression in Bad Guy is Gm – Cm – Dm – Eb (Roman numeral: i–iv–v–VI).

This 4-chord pattern repeats throughout most of the song.

Can I transpose Bad Guy to a different key?

Yes! Bad Guy is in Gm.

To make it easier, try transposing to G or D using a capo. A capo changes your effective key while keeping the same chord shapes. Use our Transpose Tool to convert all chord names automatically.

What genre is Bad Guy?

Bad Guy by Billie Eilish is a Pop song from 2019.

Its 4-chord progression (Gm, Cm, Dm, Eb) translates naturally to different tempos and styles, making it a popular cover choice for musicians of all levels.