Stand By Me Ben E King Piano Sheet Music
One of the most iconic songs of all time, "Stand By Me" by Ben E King has been covered by numerous artists and played in many different settings. The song's moving lyrics and catchy melody can be attributed to its lasting popularity, and the piano sheet music is no exception. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the history of the song, the piano sheet music, and how to play it.
History of "Stand By Me"
"Stand By Me" was written by King along with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller in 1960. According to King, the inspiration for the song came from a spiritual he heard in church as a child. The song was originally intended for The Drifters, a group King was a part of at the time, but they didn't end up recording it. King decided to record it himself and it became a hit, reaching number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The song has since been covered by numerous artists, including John Lennon, Prince Royce, and Otis Redding. It has also been featured in movies and TV shows, further solidifying its place as a beloved classic.
The Piano Sheet Music
Playing the piano accompaniment to "Stand By Me" can be a great addition to any musician's repertoire. The sheet music is widely available online, either for free or for a small fee, and can be found on music websites or through a simple Google search.
The sheet music typically includes the melody line, lyrics, and chord symbols, allowing for easy accompaniment. The chords used in the song are fairly simple, consisting of just four chords: A, F#m, D, and E. This makes it a great song for beginners to learn on the piano.
How to Play "Stand By Me" on Piano
For those who are new to playing the piano, or just need a refresher, here's a step-by-step guide on how to play "Stand By Me":
- Begin by placing your right hand on the piano keys in the middle of the keyboard. Your thumb should rest on the A key.
- Play the A chord by pressing down on the A key with your thumb, the C# key with your middle finger, and the E key with your pinky.
- Next, move your hand to the left so that your thumb is resting on the F# key. Play the F#m chord by pressing down on the F# key with your thumb, the A key with your middle finger, and the C# key with your pinky.
- Move your hand back to the A chord position and play it again.
- Move your hand to the left again so that your thumb is resting on the D key. Play the D chord by pressing down on the D key with your thumb, the F# key with your middle finger, and the A key with your pinky.
- Finally, move your hand to the E chord position by placing your thumb on the E key. Play the E chord by pressing down on the E key with your thumb, the G# key with your middle finger, and the B key with your pinky.
- Repeat this chord progression throughout the song, following the melody line and lyrics as you go.
Conclusion
"Stand By Me" by Ben E King is a timeless classic that has touched the hearts of many. The piano sheet music is a great way for musicians to learn the accompaniment to this beloved song. With just four simple chords, even beginners can play along. So gather around the piano and let the music bring you together.