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Pop · 2014 · Beginner

Stay With Me

by Sam Smith
Key of C84 BPMBeginner

Chord Sheet

Key of C · Progression: vi–IV–I–V

Am
chord 1
F
chord 2
C
chord 3
G
chord 4
Chord Loop
Am — F — C — G — ...
Key
C
Tempo
84 BPM
Chords
4
Genre
Pop

🎵 Practice Tips for Stay With Me

  • →Start at 42 BPM (50% tempo) until chord changes feel smooth.
  • →Loop just the Am→F transition repeatedly — this is often the hardest change.
  • →Use our Metronome set to 84 BPM for precise timing practice.
  • →Click any chord above to see its full piano keyboard and guitar fingering diagram.

How to Play Stay With Me by Sam Smith

Stay With Me (2014) is a beginner-level pop song that uses 4 chords: Am, F, C, G in the key of C. The chord progression is vi–IV–I–V.

Chord Breakdown

  • Am — minor chord, darker emotional sound
  • F — major chord, bright and stable
  • C — major chord, bright and stable
  • G — major chord, bright and stable

About Stay With Me

"Stay With Me" by Sam Smith (released 2014) is one of the most recognizable pop songs ever recorded. Its 4-chord structure demonstrates how a simple progression can create an emotionally powerful and memorable piece of music. The combination of Am, F, C creates a harmonic loop that feels both complete and constantly forward-moving.

Learning Stay With Me as a Beginner

If you're learning to play Stay With Me, start by getting comfortable with each chord individually before trying to switch between them. The goal is to make each chord change automatic — your fingers should know where to go without you having to think about it. Practice the chord loop slowly with a metronome, and you'll be playing the full song within a few weeks.

Similar Songs (Same Key or Chords)

Let It Be
The Beatles
C – G – Am – F
Beginner
C · 75 BPM
Wonderwall
Oasis
Em – G – D – A7sus4
Beginner
Em · 87 BPM
Knockin' on Heaven's Door
Bob Dylan
G – D – Am – C
Beginner
G · 72 BPM
Perfect
Ed Sheeran
G – Em – C – D
Beginner
G · 96 BPM
Hallelujah
Leonard Cohen
C – Am – F – G – E7
Intermediate
C · 68 BPM
Hotel California
Eagles
Bm – F# – A – E – G – D – Em
Advanced
Bm · 74 BPM
🎵 Metronome
Practice at 84 BPM
🎼 Tuner
Tune your instrument
🎹 Piano
Play on virtual piano
🎸 Guitar
Play on fretboard

FAQ

Stay With Me by Sam Smith — FAQ

What chords are in Stay With Me by Sam Smith?
Stay With Me uses the chords Am, F, C, G in the key of C. The progression follows a vi–IV–I–V pattern. This is a beginner-level song.
What key is Stay With Me in?
Stay With Me by Sam Smith is in the key of C. The primary chords are Am, F, C.
What is the tempo of Stay With Me?
Stay With Me is played at approximately 84 BPM. This moderate tempo is comfortable for intermediate players. Use our free metronome to practice at exactly 84 BPM.
What strumming pattern does Stay With Me use?
Stay With Me is typically in 4/4 time. A common strumming pattern is down-down-up-up-down-up (DDUUDU) or simplified all-down for beginners. Focus on getting chord changes smooth before adding strumming complexity.
How do I play Am chord on guitar?
Am is the main chord in Stay With Me. For Am: 2nd fret 4th string, 2nd fret 3rd string, 1st fret 2nd string. Others open.
Can I play Stay With Me on piano?
Yes! Stay With Me sounds great on piano. Play the chords Am, F, C, G in root position or inversions. Left hand plays bass notes (root of each chord), right hand plays chord voicings. This is a beginner-level arrangement.
Is Stay With Me beginner-friendly?
Yes! Stay With Me is rated Beginner difficulty. It uses 4 main chords (Am, F, C), all easy open or basic chords. One of the best songs for new players to learn.
What is the chord progression in Stay With Me?
The main progression in Stay With Me is Am – F – C – G (Roman numeral: vi–IV–I–V). This 4-chord pattern repeats throughout most of the song.
Can I transpose Stay With Me to a different key?
Yes! Stay With Me is in C. To make it easier, try transposing to G or D using a capo. A capo changes your effective key while keeping the same chord shapes. Use our Transpose Tool to convert all chord names automatically.
What genre is Stay With Me?
Stay With Me by Sam Smith is a Pop song from 2014. Its 4-chord progression (Am, F, C, G) translates naturally to different tempos and styles, making it a popular cover choice for musicians of all levels.