STAND BY ME (BEN E. KING)
GUITAR LESSON
Original Tempo: 120bpm | Video Tempo: 80bpm | Capo: 2nd Fret
Learn how to play Stand By Me by Ben E. King with this beginner-friendly guitar lesson. In the video below, I’ll walk you through the main open chords and our classic campfire strumming pattern. On this page, you’ll also find clear chord diagrams, step-by-step strumming tips, and a detailed chord guide with timestamps so you can follow along at your own pace. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to add a timeless soul tune to your repertoire, this lesson will help you master Stand By Me with confidence.
CHORDS
STRUMMING PATTERN
CHORDS & LYRICS
INTRO (0:00)
|G | % |Em | % |
|C |D |G | % |
VERSE 1 (0:15)
G Em
When the night has come and the land is dark
C D G
And the mo- on is the only light we'll see
G Em
No, I won't be afraid, no, I won't be afraid
C D G
Just as long as you stand, stand by me. So darlin', darlin'
CHORUS 1 (0:46)
G Em
Stand by me, oh stand by me, oh
C D G
Stand, stand by me, stand by me.
VERSE 2 (1:04)
G Em
If the sky that we look upon should tumble and fall
C D G
And the mount- ain should crumble to the sea
G Em
I won't cry, I won't cry, no, I won't shed a tear
C D G
Just as long as you stand, stand by me. And darling, darling
CHORUS 2 (1:34)
G Em
stand by me, oh stand by me, woah
C D G
stand now, stand by me, stand by me.
ORCHESTRAL SOLO (1:51)
|G | % |Em | % |
|C |D |G | % | x3
CHORUS 3 (2:23)
G Em
stand by me, oh stand by me, oh
C D G
stand now, stand by me, stand by me.
Repeat Chorus Until Fade...
Copyright Disclaimer
This file is the authors work and represents my interpretation of the song. It is intended solely for private study, scholarship, or research. The chord charts and lesson sheets provided are simplified resources to support online learning. For official sheet music, I highly recommend purchasing from licensed publishers such as Hal Leonard or Musicnotes.