Stand By Me — ukulele chords
Play Stand By Me by Ben E. King on ukulele: the chords as tap-to-hear diagrams, the progression you can play and transpose, and the theory behind it — in A major. Free.
The chords
Every chord in Stand By Me, as a tap-to-hear ukulele shape (standard gCEA). The little numeral is its role in A major.
Hear the progression
The 50s progression that never dies: A–F#m–D–E (I–vi–IV–V). Press play, and drag the Key control to move it to wherever your voice sits.
Why it works on ukulele
Four chords over one of the most recognizable slow grooves ever written. A, D and E are easy open shapes; F#m is the one to drill — nail that switch and the whole song is yours.
The theory
This is the 50s doo-wop progression, I–vi–IV–V, in A major. The vi (F#m) softens the opening, the IV (D) lifts, and the V (E) pulls hard back to the A — a perfect little circle of tension and release that's launched a thousand songs.
More ukulele songs
Browse all ukulele chords · ukulele scales
Educational analysis only. We don't reproduce lyrics, melodies, sheet music or recordings — chord progressions, keys and scales are shared facts of music theory. Song and artist names are used for identification and commentary; ThunderFret is not affiliated with or endorsed by any artist.
Switch the tool to ukulele to see these shapes across the neck, hear them, and jam the progression with a band. Free.
Open the interactive toolFrequently asked
What are the ukulele chords for Stand By Me?
Stand By Me uses A, F♯m, D, E, in the key of A major. The 50s progression that never dies: A–F#m–D–E (I–vi–IV–V).
Is Stand By Me easy to play on ukulele?
Four chords over one of the most recognizable slow grooves ever written. A, D and E are easy open shapes; F#m is the one to drill — nail that switch and the whole song is yours.
What key is Stand By Me in?
A major. This is the 50s doo-wop progression, I–vi–IV–V, in A major. The vi (F#m) softens the opening, the IV (D) lifts, and the V (E) pulls hard back to the A — a perfect little circle of tension and release that's launched a thousand songs.