Michael Jackson’s Thriller needs no introduction, but here’s one anyway: Thriller is the best-selling album of all time, having sold in excess of 70 million copies since its release in 1982. It won eight Grammy awards, and in 2008 was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

‘Billie Jean’, the album’s second single, begins with an iconic drum (and then bass) intro:

But hang on, is that a bass guitar, or a synth at work?

Here’s a detailed run-down of the actual bass part(s) that appear on ‘Billie Jean’, courtesy of Anthony Martinelli, who actually contributed to seven of the tracks on Thriller.

You’ll notice that my transcription is a composite of two bass parts – Louis Johnson’s electric bass part, and the low root notes added by a synth during the verses. The low synth notes are totally optional, but if you do want to try it then you’ll need to get your thumb involved.

Enough of the Billie Jean back story, here’s the transcription:

Michael Jackson – ‘Billie Jean’ bass transcription PDF