Hey there, fellow music lovers!
I’m sure you all know “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King – that timeless tune we all love to sing or dance to at parties. It’s one of those songs that instantly gets everyone humming along. But have you ever thought about how you can really spice it up when you’re playing it? What can you do to bring more groove, more life, more you into the performance?
That’s what I want to talk about today – groove. Groove is one of those magical elements that can turn a simple song into something completely unique. It’s the pulse that gets toes tapping and heads nodding, the rhythm that makes your version of a song feel alive. Whether you’re playing a song straight or adding your own creative touch, groove is what turns a performance from good to unforgettable.
Now, let’s take a closer look at “Stand By Me”. You could play the chords straight and leave it at that – it would still sound amazing, of course. But what if you want to give it a bit more flavor? What if you want to make the song your own?
Here are five ways I love to add groove to “Stand By Me”, and I think you’ll find them as exciting as I do.
1. The Straight Play
First, let’s start with the basics. Playing the song straight is a solid foundation. You’ve got the familiar chords, the steady rhythm—simple, clean, and perfect for laying down the framework of the song. You know the feeling when you hit that opening line, “When the night has come…”? There’s something beautifully timeless about just playing it as is.
2. The Dotted Ballad Groove
Now, let’s add a little more texture. One way I like to introduce some groove is by doubling what the left hand is doing, especially in a dotted ballad style. It’s a subtle shift, but it gives the melody a smoother, more rhythmic flow. Suddenly, the song feels less rigid and more like it’s swaying with you. Try it—double up that left hand groove, and watch how the energy changes!
3. Sus 2 Chord Harmonies
Want to take it a step further? Let’s play around with harmony. Instead of sticking to the usual chords, try using sus 2 chords. So, instead of a straightforward A major, you’re adding that suspended second, which gives the harmony a fresh, open sound. It’s a simple change, but it completely alters the feel of the song. You’ll notice that even though the rhythm stays the same, your ears perk up because the harmony brings a new colour to the music.
4. Syncopated eight notes
Now, this next one is fun. I like to call it the ” syncopated eight notes”—where you break down the rhythm into syncopated eighth notes in your right hand. You’re still following the left hand, but now you’re playing with subdivisions. This adds a light, playful rhythm to the melody, making it feel lively and dynamic. If you’re ready to experiment a little, this is a great way to add that touch of rhythmic complexity without going overboard.
5. Reggae Groove
And finally, let’s talk about reggae. Yes, you heard that right! You can even bring a reggae feel to “Stand By Me” by accenting the second and fourth beats. It completely transforms the vibe of the song and gives it a fresh, laid-back energy. It’s amazing how much a slight rhythmic change can affect the overall mood.
6. Bringing It All Together
So, those are five ways you can groove up “Stand By Me” and turn it into something fresh and exciting every time you play it. Whether you’re keeping it straight, doubling up with a dotted groove, or experimenting with syncopation and reggae vibes, you’re adding layers to the song that make it uniquely yours.
One of the beautiful things about improvisation is how it lets you take something familiar and transform it. The chord progression stays the same, but the way you play it—through groove, harmony, and rhythm—makes it feel new each time. And the best part? You can mix and match these grooves throughout the song. Maybe you start with the straight play for the verse, switch to the dotted ballad groove for the chorus, and experiment with syncopation on the second verse. The possibilities are endless!
Music is all about personal expression, and groove is one of the best tools you have to create something special.
Curious to see these grooves in action? Join me inside our Facebook community – The Music In You, where I’ll be going live to demonstrate these techniques and show you how to make “Stand By Me” (and other songs) groove like never before.
https://www.facebook.com/josee.allard.963/videos/871939791184531?idorvanity=959497991767744
Until then, keep playing, keep improvising, and most importantly, keep grooving.
Warmly,
Josee