By /

Stand By Me (Key of G) Chords & Guitar Lesson

Welcome to my Stand by Me chord chart by Ben E King. This version of the song is in the Key of G and uses the chords C, G, Em and D with a capo at the 2nd fret.. I do have another version that uses the chords A, D, E and F#m.

If you would like to practice those chords, you can check out that version here.

I have a couple of suggested strumming patterns here. Each chord is 1 measure (4 beats each) so that means you can just do four down strums per chord.

Jump to:

Stand By Me Guitar Chords:

Stand By Me Strumming Patterns:

Beginner Strum 1:  
1 + 2 + 3 +  4 +
D   D   D U  D

Late Beginner Strum 2:
1 + 2 + 3 +  4 +
D   DU    U  DU

I have a short "Simple Song" video lesson below that goes with this song as well as a Play Along video you can use to play along with me.

Stand By Me Guitar Lesson:

Find this website helpful? Click the button to show your support.

Buy a Guitar Course!

Stand By Me Chord Chart:

Capo on the 2nd Fret.

INTRO: G G Em Em C D G G 

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


CHORUS:
                                         G           G 
So, darling, darling, stand by me,
         Em        Em 
Oh, stand by me.
           C          D                       G               G 
Oh, stand, stand by me, Stand by me.

VERSE:
            G                               G      Em                                       Em
If the sea that we look upon         Should tumble and fall
                  C                              D                         G    G
Or the mountain should crumble in the sea,
               G                  G              Em                  Em
I won't cry, I won't cry, No, I won't shed a tear
                C                      D          G             G
Just as long as you stand, stand by me.

INTERLUDE:
G G Em Em C D G G
G G Em Em C D G G 

CHORUS:
                                         G            G 
So, darling, darling, stand by me,
         Em          Em 
Oh, stand by me.
           C          D                       G              G (hold). 
Oh, stand, stand by me, Stand by me.

This file is the author’s own work and represents his interpretation of this song. It’s intended solely for private study, scholarship or research.

We do not distribute printable chord and lyrics charts. These charts are here only to support online learning. We highly recommend buying music from Hal Leonard or a reputable online sheet music store.

Find this website helpful? Support today.

Scroll to Top