Song Tabs

 "Stand By Me" by Ben E. King is a timeless soul classic, first released in 1961. Its gentle, steady groove and simple chord progression make it a favorite for beginner guitarists and singalongs.

Chords & Progression

You will need four open chords: G, Em, C, and D. Practice moving between these shapes smoothly, as the song cycles through them repeatedly.

The main progression is G – Em – C – D – G, which repeats throughout verses and choruses. The instrumental and outro sections follow the same pattern.

Strumming Pattern

For a beginner, start with a simple downstroke pattern: Down, Down, Down, Down (one per beat). Once comfortable, try Down, Down-Up, Up-Down-Up (DDU UDU) for a more flowing, soulful feel that matches the original's groove.

Tips for Beginners

Take extra time practicing the switch from G to Em and from C to D, as these transitions occur often. If you struggle with the D chord, make sure your fingers are arched and press firmly to avoid muted strings.

Keep your strumming hand relaxed for a smooth rhythm. Play slowly at first, focusing on clean chord changes. As you become confident, increase your speed to match the song’s gentle tempo.

“Stand By Me” is ideal for building confidence with basic chords and rhythm—enjoy singing along as you play!