Liberian Girl Guitar Chords
Guitar chords by Michael Jackson · Key of E Minor · Capo 4th Fret
Chords, Key & Strumming Pattern
Chords Used
Strumming Pattern
Use a gentle D DU DU pattern to match the smooth, flowing R&B feel of Liberian Girl. Keep the dynamics soft — this song is delicate. With Capo on the 4th fret, your open Em7 shapes will sound in the original key of Ab minor.
About This Song
Liberian Girl is a dreamy R&B ballad by Michael Jackson, released on the Bad album in 1987. Famous for its lush, romantic atmosphere and exotic African-inspired intro, the song showcases Jackson at his most tender. This arrangement uses a Capo on the 4th fret so you can play it with familiar open-chord shapes, with the Em7–Am7–Bm7 progression driving the song's hypnotic groove.
Song Arrangement — Chord Chart
Intro
Em7, Am7 Bm7 — 2 TIMES
Verse 1
Em7, Am7 Bm7 — 2 TIMES
Chorus 1
C / Em7 / F#m7b5 / Bsus4 / B (n.C.) / (Em7)
Bridge 1
Am7 / Am7 / Bm7 Bm7 / Em7 / Am7 / Bm7
Verse 2
Em7, Am7 Bm7 — 2 TIMES
Chorus 2 & Bridge 2
Em7 / Am7 / Bm7
Interlude
Bm7 / B7 / C/E , D/E
Chorus 3
D/E , Am7 / B7 / Em7 — 4 TIMES
Frequently Asked Questions
What capo do I need for Liberian Girl?
Place the capo on the 4th fret to play Liberian Girl with open E minor shapes while sounding in the original key of Ab minor.
What chords are in Liberian Girl?
With Capo 4, the progression uses Em7, Am7, Bm7, C, F#m7b5, Bsus4, B7, and D/E.
Is Liberian Girl hard to play on guitar?
It is rated intermediate due to the jazz-flavoured chord shapes (Em7, F#m7b5, Bsus4). Beginners comfortable with barre chords can tackle it with practice.
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