Black or White Guitar Chords — Michael Jackson

About This Song

Black or White by Michael Jackson (1991) is a driving pop-rock anthem built on just three open chords — D, G, and A — in the key of D Major. The same I–IV–V relationship as Bachelor Boy and Bad Moon Rising; if you know those songs, you're already halfway there. The verse repeats D/G/D/A/G/D across multiple lines, with the bridge intensifying the D–G movement before a powerful D-only section. The D DU UDU strumming pattern with strong downstrokes gives it that rock energy. No capo required. A high-energy beginner favourite at guitar lessons at JBX Music, Goregaon West, Mumbai.

How to Play Black or White on Guitar

Chords Used

DGA

Strumming Pattern

D DU UDU

Verse 1

D / G / D / A / G / D

Bridge

D/G/D/G/D

Verse 3

D- 8 TIMES

Verse 4

G/D/A/G/D
A/G/D/A/G/D

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords are in Black or White by Michael Jackson? +

Black or White uses 3 chords: D, G, and A — the I-IV-V progression in D Major. No capo required.

Is Black or White easy on guitar? +

Yes — with just 3 open chords and no capo, it is a solid beginner rock song. Same chord shapes as Bad Moon Rising and Bachelor Boy.

What key is Black or White in? +

Black or White by Michael Jackson is in the key of D Major.

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