If I Had A Hammer - Trini Lopez | Song Tabs

If I Had A Hammer Trini Lopez

Trini Lopez’s famous version of "If I Had A Hammer" is an upbeat folk classic, known for its lively rhythm and singalong feel. This arrangement uses basic open chords, making it a great choice for beginner guitarists.

## Chords

You will need:
C major, Am, F, and G.
If F is difficult, try the simplified F major (xx3211) or even Fmaj7 (xx3210).

## Strumming Pattern

A simple, energetic strumming pattern works best, such as:
Down, down-up, up-down-up
Try:
D D-U U-D-U
Keep your wrist loose and focus on even timing.

## Chord Transitions

Practice moving between C, Am, F, and G smoothly. The common order (C → Am → F → G) repeats frequently.
Tip:

For Am to F, keep your index and middle fingers anchored and just shift your ring finger.
For G, use the common open G shape for easy access from C.

## Techniques

Mute the strings slightly with your palm for percussive effect, especially during the "Oooh ooh" parts. Clap or tap the guitar body to add rhythm, echoing the lively Trini Lopez style.

## Final Tips

Sing along and emphasize the rhythm—this song is all about energy and participation. Play at a moderate tempo and focus on clean chord changes, letting the strumming carry the song.

Intro

C Am F G

Verse 1

C OoohAm oohF ooohG ooh,C OoohAm oohF ooohG ooh,C OoohAm oohF ooh

IfG I had aC hammer,Am F I'dG hammer in theC morningAm F

I'dG hammer in theC evening,Am F all over thisG land

I'd hammer outC danger, I'd hammer out aAm warning

I'd hammer outF love beC tween, myF brothers and myC sisters,F ahG ah,

All over thisC landAm F G

Verse 2

C OoohAm oohF ooohG ooh,C OoohAm oohF ooohG ooh,C OoohAm oohF ooh

IfG I had aC bell,Am F I'dG ring it in theC morningAm F

I'dG ring it in theC evening,Am F all over thisG land

I'd ring outC danger, I'd ring out aAm warning yeah

I'd ring outF love beC tween, myF brothers and myC sisters,F ahG ah,

All over thisC landAm F G

Verse 3

C OoohAm oohF ooohG ooh,C OoohAm oohF ooohG ooh,C OoohAm oohF ooh

IfG I had aC song,Am F I'dG sing it in theC morningAm F

I'dG sing it in theC evening,Am F all over thisG world

I'd sing outC danger, I'd sing out aAm warning yeah

I'd sing outF love beC tween, myF brothers and myC sisters,F ahG ah,

All over thisC landAm F G

Verse 4

C OoohAm oohF ooohG ooh,C OoohAm oohF ooohG ooh,C OoohAm oohF ooh

G I got aC hammer,Am F andG I've got aC bellAm F

AndG I've got aC song toAm singF , all over thisG land

It's the hammer ofC justice, it's the bell ofAm freedom

It's the song aboutF love beC tween, myF brothers and myC sisters,F ahG ah,

All over thisC landAm F G C Am F

Outro

AllG over thisC land,Am F AllG over thisC landAm F

AllG over thisC landAm F G C Am F AllG over thisC landAm F

AllG over thisC laaaa-Am F G C Am F G C C -aaaand

Song Tabs

Songs with the same chords: Am + C + F + G

Songs with the same chords: Am + C + F + G