Maxwell's Silver Hammer

by The Beatles
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How to Play This Song

Learn a simple version, phrase by phrase: the melody, then easy chords.

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Lyrics

(D)Joan was quiz zi cal, (B7)stud ied pat a phys i cal (Em)sci ence in the home.

(A7)Late nights all a lone with a test tube, (D)oh, oh, oh, oh.

(D)Max well Ed i son, (B7)ma jor ing in med i cine, (Em)calls her on the phone:

The (A7)“Can I take you out to the pic tures, (D)Joan?”

But (E7)as she’s get ting read y to go, a (A7)knock comes on the door.

(D)Bang!

Bang!

Max well’s sil ver ham mer came (E7)down up on her head.

(A7)Clang!

Clang!

Max well’s sil ver ham mer made (Em)sure that (A7)she was dead.

(D)Back in school a gain, (B7)Max well plays the fool a gain.

(Em)Teach er gets an noyed,

(A7)wish ing to a void an un pleas ant (D)scene.

oh, oh, oh.

(D)She tells Max to stay (B7)when the class has gone a way.

(Em)So he waits be hind,

The (A7)writ ing fif ty times “I must not be (D)so.”

But (E7)when she turns her back on the boy, he (A7)creeps up from be hind.

(D)Bang!

Bang!

Max well’s sil ver ham mer came (E7)down up on her head.

(A7)Clang!

Clang!

Max well’s sil ver ham mer made (Em)sure that (A7)she was dead.

(Em7)sure that she was dead.

Sil (F#7)ver (Bm)ham (D7)mer.

Maxwell's Silver Hammer — Simple Sheet Music

12 people have learned this song

"Maxwell's Silver Hammer" in simplified sheet music format — the bridge between beginner modes and real sheet music. Color-coded notes with lyrics scrolling horizontally. Perfect for learning to read music. Key of D, 136 BPM.

Tip: Use the speed control to practice at 70% tempo first. Focus on tricky chord transitions before attempting the full arrangement.

About “Maxwell's Silver Hammer”

How does Simplified Piano Arrangement differ from full sheet music for "Maxwell's Silver Hammer"?
Simplified Arrangement keeps the melody and chords on a simplified staff with lyrics, color-coded for easy recognition. It's a learner-bridge between Beginner mode and the classic engraved Sheet Music — same song, less visual density.
What key is "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" by The Beatles played in?
Maxwell's Silver Hammer is arranged in the key of D on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
What's the tempo (BPM) of "Maxwell's Silver Hammer"?
The arrangement plays at 136 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" easy to play on piano?
This is a medium-difficulty arrangement. Most players can learn it within a few practice sessions using the speed control.
Can I download sheet music for "Maxwell's Silver Hammer"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "Maxwell's Silver Hammer"?
"Maxwell's Silver Hammer" was originally performed by The Beatles. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What chords are used in "Maxwell's Silver Hammer"?
This arrangement uses 12 chords: A, A7, B7, Bm, D, D7, E, E7, +4 more.
What other songs by The Beatles can I play here?
Try "DAY TRIPPER", "PLEASE MR. POSTMAN", "SHE'S LEAVING HOME". All are in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.
Is Simple Sheet good for learning to read sheet music?
Yes! Simple Sheet bridges the gap between beginner color-coded modes and traditional notation. Notes are displayed on a simplified staff with colors, lyrics, and chords — helping you build music reading skills gradually while still enjoying "Maxwell's Silver Hammer". Key of D, 136 BPM.
What's the difference between Simple Sheet and Lead Sheet?
Simple Sheet shows a more streamlined, horizontally scrolling view with color-coded notes on a staff and lyrics below — like a simplified version of real sheet music. Lead Sheet shows melody with chord symbols above and full lyrics. Simple Sheet is the next step toward reading traditional notation.