Back to: Essentials Primer for Beginners Guitar Course Volume 2
Stand by Me
“Stand by Me” by Ben E. King was released in 1961 and became one of the most iconic soul and R&B songs in history. Co-written by King, Jerry Leiber, and Mike Stoller, the song was inspired by a gospel hymn of the same name, which was based on a spiritual tradition from King’s youth. The lyrics reflect themes of loyalty, love, and unwavering support, and the song’s title is a reference to Psalm 46:2-3.
The song was an immediate success, reaching the top ten of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. Over the decades, it has been covered by numerous artists and has become a timeless classic, enjoying revivals through films, notably in the 1986 movie Stand by Me, and commercials. The song was inducted into the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry in 2015, cementing its place as a cultural and musical milestone.
The first time I played it was in high school as part of our Māori Kapa Haka group’s repertoire.
Performance notes:
- Strumming dotted note rhythms. Although the course does not specifically introduce counting dotted rhythms until module 11 we can try strumming a dotted rhythm here to make the strumming feel closer to the feel of the original song by matching the bass rhythm. Alternatively, strumming on beat 1 and 3 is easier, whilst strumming only on beat 1 and holding for four beats is the easiest option.
- Key is A major. If you want to play along with the original song you will need to place a capo on the 2nd fret. The chord shapes remain the same, however they will be two frets further along the guitar fretboard (watch the video lesson)
[Intro]
G Em C D7 G* – (8 bars in length) *G is played for two bars
[1st Verse]
G Em
When the night has come and the land is dark,
C D7 G
And the moon is the only light we'll see
G Em
No, I won't be afraid, oh I won't be afraid,
C D7 G
Just as long as you stand, stand by me. So darlin', darlin'
[Chorus]
G Em
Stand by me, oh stand by me, oh
C D7 G
Stand, stand by me, stand by me.
[2nd Verse]
G Em
If the sky that we look upon should tumble and fall,
C D7 G
or the mountain should crumble to the sea.
G Em
I won't cry, I won't cry, no, I won't shed a tear,
C D7 G
Just as long as you stand, stand by me. And darling, darling
[Chorus]
G Em
Stand by me, oh stand by me, whoah
C D7 G
Stand now, stand by me, stand by me.
[Solo]
G G Em Em
C D7 G G
G G Em Em
C D7 G G
(string section) Darlin, darlin'
[Chorus/Outro]
G G Em
Stand by me, oh stand by me, oh
C D7 G
Stand now, stand by me, stand by me. Whenever you're in trouble won't you
G Em C D7 G
stand by me? Oh stand by me, whoah stand now oh stand, stand by me. When all...