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Stand By Me Chords

Ben E. King Beginner Key of G 4 Chords 2 min read

Gtap to play

Emtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Key

G Major

Difficulty

Beginner

Capo

None

Chords

G · Em · C · D

Ben E. King’s soul classic is built on one of the most iconic bass lines in music. The four-chord progression has been borrowed by countless songs since 1961.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: If you can, try alternating bass notes with your thumb while strumming. Play the root note of each chord on beat 1 for that classic soul groove.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the four chords

You need G, Em, C, and D. This is the famous “50s progression” used in hundreds of hit songs.

2

Feel the groove

This song has a smooth, swaying feel. The strum should be laid-back and soulful. Think of slow dancing.

3

Learn the one progression

The entire song is G-Em-C-D on repeat. Yes, the same four chords from start to finish. Mastering the feel is what matters.

4

Add soul

The difference between playing it and performing it is in the subtle dynamics. Lean into the Em slightly, pull back on the D.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Guitar Version

Verse 1

G

When the night has come

Em

And the land is dark

C D G

And the moon is the only light we’ll see

Chorus

G Em

So darlin’, darlin’, stand by me

C D G

Oh, stand by me, oh stand, stand by me

Verse 2

G

If the sky that we look upon

Em

Should tumble and fall

C D G

Or the mountain should crumble to the sea

Practice tip: Play along with the original recording. Match the feel exactly — the tempo, the dynamics, the groove. This song is all about soul, not technical difficulty.

Gtap to play

Emtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Key

G Major

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

G · Em · C · D

Ben E. King’s soul classic is built on one of the most iconic bass lines in music. The four-chord progression has been borrowed by countless songs since 1961.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: If you can, try alternating bass notes with your thumb while strumming. Play the root note of each chord on beat 1 for that classic soul groove.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the four chords

You need G, Em, C, and D. This is the famous “50s progression” used in hundreds of hit songs.

2

Feel the groove

This song has a smooth, swaying feel. The strum should be laid-back and soulful. Think of slow dancing.

3

Learn the one progression

The entire song is G-Em-C-D on repeat. Yes, the same four chords from start to finish. Mastering the feel is what matters.

4

Add soul

The difference between playing it and performing it is in the subtle dynamics. Lean into the Em slightly, pull back on the D.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Ukulele Version

Verse 1

G

When the night has come

Em

And the land is dark

C D G

And the moon is the only light we’ll see

Chorus

G Em

So darlin’, darlin’, stand by me

C D G

Oh, stand by me, oh stand, stand by me

Verse 2

G

If the sky that we look upon

Em

Should tumble and fall

C D G

Or the mountain should crumble to the sea

Practice tip: Play along with the original recording. Match the feel exactly — the tempo, the dynamics, the groove. This song is all about soul, not technical difficulty.

Gtap to play

Emtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Key

G Major

Difficulty

Beginner

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

G · Em · C · D

Ben E. King’s soul classic is built on one of the most iconic bass lines in music. The four-chord progression has been borrowed by countless songs since 1961.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: If you can, try alternating bass notes with your thumb while strumming. Play the root note of each chord on beat 1 for that classic soul groove.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the four chords

You need G, Em, C, and D. This is the famous “50s progression” used in hundreds of hit songs.

2

Feel the groove

This song has a smooth, swaying feel. The strum should be laid-back and soulful. Think of slow dancing.

3

Learn the one progression

The entire song is G-Em-C-D on repeat. Yes, the same four chords from start to finish. Mastering the feel is what matters.

4

Add soul

The difference between playing it and performing it is in the subtle dynamics. Lean into the Em slightly, pull back on the D.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Piano Version

Verse 1

G

When the night has come

Em

And the land is dark

C D G

And the moon is the only light we’ll see

Chorus

G Em

So darlin’, darlin’, stand by me

C D G

Oh, stand by me, oh stand, stand by me

Verse 2

G

If the sky that we look upon

Em

Should tumble and fall

C D G

Or the mountain should crumble to the sea

Practice tip: Play along with the original recording. Match the feel exactly — the tempo, the dynamics, the groove. This song is all about soul, not technical difficulty.

Gtap to play

Emtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Key

G Major

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

G · Em · C · D

Ben E. King’s soul classic is built on one of the most iconic bass lines in music. The four-chord progression has been borrowed by countless songs since 1961.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: If you can, try alternating bass notes with your thumb while strumming. Play the root note of each chord on beat 1 for that classic soul groove.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the four chords

You need G, Em, C, and D. This is the famous “50s progression” used in hundreds of hit songs.

2

Feel the groove

This song has a smooth, swaying feel. The strum should be laid-back and soulful. Think of slow dancing.

3

Learn the one progression

The entire song is G-Em-C-D on repeat. Yes, the same four chords from start to finish. Mastering the feel is what matters.

4

Add soul

The difference between playing it and performing it is in the subtle dynamics. Lean into the Em slightly, pull back on the D.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Banjo Version

Verse 1

G

When the night has come

Em

And the land is dark

C D G

And the moon is the only light we’ll see

Chorus

G Em

So darlin’, darlin’, stand by me

C D G

Oh, stand by me, oh stand, stand by me

Verse 2

G

If the sky that we look upon

Em

Should tumble and fall

C D G

Or the mountain should crumble to the sea

Practice tip: Play along with the original recording. Match the feel exactly — the tempo, the dynamics, the groove. This song is all about soul, not technical difficulty.

Gtap to play

Emtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Key

G Major

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

G · Em · C · D

Ben E. King’s soul classic is built on one of the most iconic bass lines in music. The four-chord progression has been borrowed by countless songs since 1961.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: If you can, try alternating bass notes with your thumb while strumming. Play the root note of each chord on beat 1 for that classic soul groove.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the four chords

You need G, Em, C, and D. This is the famous “50s progression” used in hundreds of hit songs.

2

Feel the groove

This song has a smooth, swaying feel. The strum should be laid-back and soulful. Think of slow dancing.

3

Learn the one progression

The entire song is G-Em-C-D on repeat. Yes, the same four chords from start to finish. Mastering the feel is what matters.

4

Add soul

The difference between playing it and performing it is in the subtle dynamics. Lean into the Em slightly, pull back on the D.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Mandolin Version

Verse 1

G

When the night has come

Em

And the land is dark

C D G

And the moon is the only light we’ll see

Chorus

G Em

So darlin’, darlin’, stand by me

C D G

Oh, stand by me, oh stand, stand by me

Verse 2

G

If the sky that we look upon

Em

Should tumble and fall

C D G

Or the mountain should crumble to the sea

Practice tip: Play along with the original recording. Match the feel exactly — the tempo, the dynamics, the groove. This song is all about soul, not technical difficulty.

Gtap to play

Emtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Key

G Major

Difficulty

Beginner

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

G · Em · C · D

Ben E. King’s soul classic is built on one of the most iconic bass lines in music. The four-chord progression has been borrowed by countless songs since 1961.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: If you can, try alternating bass notes with your thumb while strumming. Play the root note of each chord on beat 1 for that classic soul groove.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the four chords

You need G, Em, C, and D. This is the famous “50s progression” used in hundreds of hit songs.

2

Feel the groove

This song has a smooth, swaying feel. The strum should be laid-back and soulful. Think of slow dancing.

3

Learn the one progression

The entire song is G-Em-C-D on repeat. Yes, the same four chords from start to finish. Mastering the feel is what matters.

4

Add soul

The difference between playing it and performing it is in the subtle dynamics. Lean into the Em slightly, pull back on the D.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Harmonica Version

Verse 1

G

When the night has come

Em

And the land is dark

C D G

And the moon is the only light we’ll see

Chorus

G Em

So darlin’, darlin’, stand by me

C D G

Oh, stand by me, oh stand, stand by me

Verse 2

G

If the sky that we look upon

Em

Should tumble and fall

C D G

Or the mountain should crumble to the sea

Practice tip: Play along with the original recording. Match the feel exactly — the tempo, the dynamics, the groove. This song is all about soul, not technical difficulty.