Smooth Criminal by Michael Jackson is played in the key of Am at a intermediate difficulty level, originally released in the 1980s. It uses 2 chords — Am G — arranged in the i-bVII progression.
About the i-bVII progression
This song is built on the i-bVII progression. Follow the chord order in the diagrams above, and use the transpose controls if the key doesn't suit your voice.
Playing in the key of Am
A minor is the relative minor of C major, sharing its scale and chord family (Am, Dm, Em, F, G, C) but with a darker, more introspective feel. One of the easiest minor keys for beginners because most of its chords use open shapes.
Related songs
More songs in the key of Am
More songs using the i-bVII progression
Learn to play Smooth Criminal by Michael Jackson on guitar. It sits in the key of Am and uses the i-bVII progression with the chords Am G.