Song Tabs
Song Index Songs by Chords Guide to Guitar Chords About
EADGBE C
EADGBEX A7
EADGBEXX Dm
EADGBE G7
EADGBE G
EADGBEXX D
EADGBEXX D7
EADGBE E7
EADGBEX Am
EADGBE C7
EADGBE F
EADGBE E
Maxwell's Silver Hammer The Beatles

Playing "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" on Guitar

"Maxwell's Silver Hammer" by The Beatles is a playful, upbeat song from the album Abbey Road. The original features piano and quirky percussion, but it works well on acoustic guitar, making it accessible for beginners and fun to sing along to.

Chords & Progression

The main chords:
C, A7, Dm, G7, G, D, D7, E7, Am, C7, F, E

All are beginner-friendly, but take time to practice transitions between C, A7, Dm, and G7 as they recur often.

Strumming Pattern

Use a light, bouncy strumming pattern to match the song’s lively feel. Try:

Down, down-up, up-down-up

Keep your wrist relaxed and emphasize the second and fourth beats for a swingy rhythm.

Chord Transition Tips

  • Practice moving from C to A7 and Dm to G7, as these are quick changes in the verses.
  • For the chorus, the shift from C to D7 and then G7 is quick; practice slowly, then gradually increase speed.
  • Barre chords are not required; F can be played as an easier four-string version.

General Techniques

  • Mute the strings slightly with your palm for a percussive effect during the “Bang bang” lines, simulating the hammer sound.
  • Sing along and keep the tempo steady; don’t rush the transitions.
  • Revisit the bridge and outro sections for chord changes that break the pattern and add interest.

With practice, this song is a fun way to build confidence in chord changes and rhythm!

Verse 1
C Joan was quizzical,A7 studied pataphysicalDm science in the home
G7 Late nights all alone with a test tubeC Oh, oh ohG oh
C Maxwell Edison,A7 majoring in medicineDm calls her on the phone
G7 Can I take you out to the pictures,C Joa, oa- oa-G oan?
ButD as she's getting ready to go, aG7 knock comes on theG7 door
 Chorus
C Bang bang Maxwell's silver hammer cameD7 down upon her head
G7 Clang clang Maxwell's silver hammer madeDm sure thatG she wasC dead
 Bridge
C E7 Am C7 F F G C
Verse 2
C Back in school againA7 Maxwell plays the fool againDm Teacher gets annoyed
G7 Wishing to avoid an unpleasantC sce- e- e-G ene
C She tells Max to stayA7 when the class has gone awayDm so he waits behind
G7 Writing fifty times I must not beC so, oh- oh-G oh
ButD when she turns her back on the boy, heG7 creeps up from beG7 hind
 Chorus
C Bang bang Maxwell's silver hammer cameD7 down upon her head
G7 Clang clang Maxwell's silver hammer madeDm sure that she wasG dead
 Bridge
C D G Dm G C C E Am C7 F F G C
Verse 3
C P.C. Thirty-One,A7 said We've caught a dirty oneDm Maxwell stands alone
G7 Painting testimonial picturesC oh, oh- oh-G oh
C Rose and Valerie,A7 screaming from the gallery,Dm say he must go free
TheG7 judge does not agree and he tells themC so, oh- oh-G oh
ButD as the words are leaving his lips, aG7 noise comes from beG7 hind
 Chorus
C Bang bang Maxwell's silver hammer cameD7 down upon his head
G7 Clang clang Maxwell's silver hammer madeDm sure that he wasG dead
 Outro
C D7 G7 F F G C
C Sil-E verAm Ham-C7 merF F F F F G G G C