Learn to Play "Stand By Me" by Ben E. King on the Ukulele

In this lesson, we'll learn how to play Stand By Me by the great Ben E. King on the ukulele. This timeless song is a fantastic choice for beginners and experienced players who want to expand their repertoire with a classic.

Stand By Me is a brilliant song that only uses four chords throughout. It also features an optional fifth chord that you can throw in if you feel adventurous. The beauty of this song lies not only in its simplicity but also in its rhythmic features. One of the exciting elements we'll cover is adding a little percussive hit on the second and fourth beats.

The Chords

The beauty of Stand By Me lies in its simplicity. The song revolves around a four-chord pattern: C, Am, F, G. The sequence is quite straightforward, with some chords repeated for emphasis. This repetition provides a steady rhythm, making the song incredibly catchy and easy to play.

Feel free to experiment as you become more comfortable with the basic chords. You can add variations to the A minor, F, and G chords to give your rendition a unique flavor. While the original song doesn't include it, you can add an optional G7 chord as a build-up into the chorus. It's an extra touch that can give your rendition a unique twist.

Rhythm and Strumming

The rhythmic pattern of Stand By Me is as distinctive as its melody. The percussive hits on the second and fourth beats give the song its iconic feel. We'll practice a down strum on beat one, then a percussive hit on beat two, and an upstroke on the "and" after beat two. We'll follow the same pattern on beats three and four.

For the chorus, you can experiment with different strumming patterns. A basic pattern such as down, down, up, up, down often works well. Remember to add a bit more energy to the chorus to contrast with the verses.

Wrapping Up

Stand By Me is a fantastic song to add to your ukulele repertoire. Its simple chord progression, rhythmic elements, and timeless melody make it a joy to play. As you learn this song, remember that practice is key. Take your time to master the chords and the rhythm, and don't be afraid to add your unique touch to the song.

Remember, learning to play an instrument is a journey, not a race. It's about enjoying each step, each chord, and each song. So take your time, enjoy the process, and let the music flow.

And now it's time to grab your ukulele and get playing! Watch the video lesson for a detailed walkthrough of Stand By Me. Let's make some beautiful music together!