Ben E. King · 1961
Stand By Me
G
Em
C
D
Speed
118 BPM
Strumming
D - D U - U D -
Length
15 min
Chords in this song
G
2 → low E 3rd fret · 1 → A 2nd fret · 3 → high E 3rd fret
Em
2 → A 2nd fret · 3 → D 2nd fret
C
3 → A 3rd fret · 2 → D 2nd fret · 1 → B 1st fret
D
1 → G 2nd fret · 3 → B 3rd fret · 2 → high E 2nd fret
How to read these
- × above a string = don't play it (mute or skip).
- ○ above a string = play it open, no finger.
- 2A numbered dot = press that fret with that finger. (1 = index, 2 = middle, 3 = ring, 4 = pinky)
- The thick top baris the nut — the top of the fretboard. Strings go from low E on the left to high E on the right, same as if you're looking down at your own guitar.
Choose a level
Every song is unlocked — pick your rampParts of the song
- ★★★Section 1IntroGGEmEmCDGGHummingG(Instrumental intro — Emhum along Cif you Dlike, Glet the groove settle)
Play one chord per bar. Start slow — aim for clean chord changes before adding any strum flair.
Speed · aim for 118 BPM - ★★★Section 2VerseGGEmEmCDGGVerse 1 — line 1GWhen the night Emhas come Cand the Dland is Gdark
Same four-chord loop as the intro. Focus on landing the G → Em switch cleanly on beat 1.
Speed · aim for 118 BPM - ★★★Section 3Bridge / ChorusCCGGDDGGChorus — line 1CSo darlin', darlin', Gstand by me, Doh stand by Gme
The 'whenever you're in trouble' section. Keep the tempo locked — don't rush the C → G change.
Speed · aim for 118 BPM
Practice tips
- Start at 60 BPM with all downstrokes. Double the tempo only once every change feels effortless.
- The whole song is one 4-chord loop. If you can switch G → Em → C → D at tempo, you can play the whole thing.
- Hum the bassline while strumming — it locks you to the groove.