Thriller | TAB
The intro, originally played on keyboard, is based around a C#m chord. It features a single note moving up from the root to the 2nd, m3rd, 4th, and b5. This is followed by a two-bar chorus progression that outlines the melody.
Here’s TAB for how to play it on guitar:
This is followed by eight bars of the bass riff. If you want to play during this section, double the bass part in unison or take it up an octave. Here’s the TAB:
Verse
The verse guitar part is also used at the end of the intro, as well as in the breakdown and outro. I’ve written this using 8th notes with staccato markings (dots), meaning “play short”, rather than notating continuous 16th notes. Make sure you palm mute throughout.
It may be tempting to vary this part—I certainly tried this at one point:
But in truth, it’s more effective to stick with the original loop.
Chorus
In the chorus, we finally get a harmonic release. Here’s a part you can play for Choruses 1, 2, and 4:
The third chorus is different, featuring a climbing variation before repeating:
Middle 8
The middle 8 takes us somewhere new harmonically—which is exactly what’s needed. I’ve added a Cm and E5 at the start to lead things in. From there, it’s all about following the ascending movement and connecting chords that share similar notes.
A delay pedal works particularly well here.
When you feel confident, try playing along with the backing tracks using only the chord chart as a guide.
Thriller Backing Tracks + TAB | Related Pages
Thriller | Chords + Lyrics
You can learn to play Thriller by Michael Jackson using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| C#m (bass riff) | C#m (bass riff) |
It’s close to midnight and something evil’s lurking in the dark…
Five similar tunes | Chords + Lyrics
