Stand By Me | Ben E King | Cover | The Ronnie Landers Band

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through playing "Stand By Me" by Ben E. King on guitar. We will cover the essential chords and provide insights on how to perform this classic song effectively. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refresh your skills, this step-by-step guide will help you bring this beautiful song to life.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Before you start playing, make sure you have the following:

• A guitar (acoustic or electric)
• A tuner to ensure your guitar is in standard tuning (E A D G B e)
• The lyrics and chord progression for "Stand By Me"

Step 2: Learn the Chords

The song is played using four primary chords. Familiarize yourself with the following chords:

• G
• Em (E minor)
• C
• D

Chord Diagrams

Here are the chord shapes for reference:

• G

e|-3-
B|-3-
G|-0-
D|-0-
A|-2-
E|-3-

• Em

e|-0-
B|-0-
G|-0-
D|-2-
A|-2-
E|-0-

• C

e|-0-
B|-1-
G|-0-
D|-2-
A|-3-
E|-x-

• D

e|-2-
B|-3-
G|-2-
D|-0-
A|-x-
E|-x-

Step 3: Practice the Chord Progression

The chord progression follows a simple pattern throughout the song. Practice transitioning between the chords in the following sequence:

1. G
2. Em
3. C
4. D

Repeat this progression while singing the lyrics to familiarize yourself with the timing and flow.

Step 4: Follow the Lyrics with Chords

Here’s how the chords align with the lyrics:

• Verse 1

[G] When the night has come  
[Em] and the land is dark  
And the [C] moon is the [D] only light we'll [G] see  
[G] No I won't be afraid  
no I [Em] won't be afraid  
Just as [C] long as you [D] stand,  
stand by [G] me

• Chorus

[G] So darling, darling  
stand by me  
oh [Em] stand by me  
Oh [C] stand, [D] stand by me,  
[G] stand by me

Step 5: Master the Timing and Strumming Pattern

• Listen to the original song to get a feel for the timing.
• A simple down-up strumming pattern works well for beginners.
• Practice slowly at first, then gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.

Step 6: Add Emotion and Style

• Once you are comfortable with the chords and strumming, focus on adding emotion to your performance.
• Experiment with dynamics; play softer during the verses and louder during the chorus for dramatic effect.
• You can also add embellishments such as hammer-ons or pull-offs to make your performance more engaging.

Conclusion

Now that you have the chords, lyrics, and tips for playing "Stand By Me," practice regularly to build your confidence. Start slow, focus on transitions, and gradually enhance your performance with emotion and style. Enjoy playing this timeless classic, and consider performing it for friends or family to share your progress!