Vocal range of Billie Jean by Michael Jackson
- Original key
- F#m
- Range
- C#3 – C#5
Billie Jean spans 2 octaves. No single voice type covers it in the original key without strain, so most singers change the key.
The best key for each voice type
Computed from the song's range and typical comfortable ranges. Capo positions use open chord shapes.
| Voice | Sing it in | Change | Guitar | Notes you'll sing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bass | Am | 9 semitones down | Am shapes, no capo | E2 – E4 |
| Baritone | Dm | 4 semitones down | Dm shapes, no capo | A2 – A4 |
| Tenor | Fm | 1 semitone down | Capo 1, Em shapes | C3 – C5 |
| Alto | Bbm | 4 semitones up | Capo 1, Am shapes | F3 – F5 |
| Mezzo-soprano | Dm | 8 semitones up | Dm shapes, no capo | A3 – A5 |
| Soprano | Fm | 11 semitones up | Capo 1, Em shapes | C4 – C6 |
Voice types are a rough guide: your own range can sit higher or lower than your type.
Find the right key for your voice
Voice types are a rough guide. Take the two-minute range test and this page will show the key for your exact range…
Questions about Billie Jean
What is the vocal range of Billie Jean?
Billie Jean by Michael Jackson goes from C#3 to C#5, a span of 2 octaves.
What key is Billie Jean in?
The original recording is in F#m.
What key should a man sing Billie Jean in?
Bass: Am; Baritone: Dm; Tenor: Fm.
What key should a woman sing Billie Jean in?
Alto: Bbm; Mezzo-soprano: Dm; Soprano: Fm.
Songs with a similar range
- Don't Stop Believin' Journey · C#3–C#5
- If I Ain't Got You Alicia Keys · D3–D5
- Just the Way You Are Bruno Mars · C3–C5
- Superstition Stevie Wonder · Eb3–Db5
- All of Me John Legend · C3–Bb4
- Creep Radiohead · B2–B4
Sources: Musicnotes · Hooktheory · how we measure
Musicnotes shows the notated range C#4–C#6; male vocal in treble clef sounds an octave lower