Stand By Me by Ben E. King is played in the key of A at a beginner difficulty level, originally released in the 1960s. It uses 4 chords — A F#m D E — arranged in the I-vi-IV-V progression.
About the I-vi-IV-V progression
The I-vi-IV-V progression is the classic 1950s "doo-wop" pattern. From home, it moves to the relative minor, then through the subdominant to the dominant, creating a gentle rocking-chair feel that defined early rock and roll harmony. Countless doo-wop, oldies, and pop ballads use this shape.
Playing in the key of A
A major is rock and blues territory. A, D, and E are open shapes; F#m requires a barre. The E7 chord sits naturally under the fingers in this key, which is why it feels made for country and blues players.
Related songs
More songs in the key of A
More songs using the I-vi-IV-V progression
Learn to play Stand By Me by Ben E. King on guitar. It sits in the key of A and uses the I-vi-IV-V progression with the chords A F#m D E.