R&B · 1983 · intermediate

Billie Jean

by Michael Jackson
Key of F#m intermediate 4 chords

Roman Numeral Analysis

iVIIVIV
F#mEDC#
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\u00B10
BPM 100
Key
F#m
Chords
4
Genre
R&B
Year
1983

Billie Jean Chord Progression Breakdown

Billie Jean (1983) is a intermediate r&b song that uses the progression i – VII – VI – V (F#m, E, D, C# in F#m).

Analysis

  • i (F#m) \u2014 Minor chord, darker emotional quality
  • VII (E) \u2014 Borrowed chord from parallel key
  • VI (D) \u2014 Borrowed chord from parallel key
  • V (C#) \u2014 Major chord, bright and stable

Tags

rnb1980spop

Knowledge Base & FAQs

Billie Jean by Michael Jackson — FAQ

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

What is the chord progression for Billie Jean?

Billie Jean by Michael Jackson uses the chords F#m, E, D, C# in the key of F#m.

The Roman numeral analysis is i – VII – VI – V.

What key is Billie Jean in?

Billie Jean by Michael Jackson is in the key of F#m.

The primary chords are F#m, E, D.

Is Billie Jean beginner-friendly?

Billie Jean is rated intermediate.

Some barre chords or faster changes may be involved.

What genre is Billie Jean?

Billie Jean is a r&b song from 1983.

Its progression reflects the harmonic conventions of r&b music.

Can I transpose Billie Jean to another key?

Yes! Click the transpose buttons on the detail page to shift all chords up or down by semitone while preserving the same Roman numeral relationships.