Drum Notation For Beginners

If you’re learning drums and want to get better fast, one of the best things you can do is learn how to read drum sheet music. 

At first glance, it might look confusing, like a bunch of symbols and lines that don’t mean much. But once you understand the basics, it opens up a whole new world of music. You’ll be able to read drum music, learn songs faster and even write your own parts.

That being said, in this guide we’ll explain how to read drum music notation, go over common symbols and music notes drums and help you get comfortable reading simple beats and fills. 

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Quick Menu:

• What Is Drum Notation?

• Why Should You Learn Drum Notation?

• The Drum Staff: What You're Looking At

• Note Values: How Long Should You Play?

• Overview Of Time Signatures

• Common Drum Notation Symbols

• Tips For Learning To Read Drum Notations

• FAQs About Reading Drum Music

• Learn More About Drum Notation at Greater Toronto Music School

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What Is Drum Notation?

Let’s start off with the basics. Drum notation is a method of writing down music for drums and percussion. It's similar to typical sheet music, except instead of pitch (as in piano or violin), it displays rhythm, tempo and which drum part to play such as snare, kick or hi-hat.

When you learn how to read drum sheet music, you're learning a language that drummers all over the world use to communicate and play together.

Why Should You Learn Drum Notation?

You don’t have to read music to be a great drummer, some amazing players learned by ear. But knowing how to read drum music gives you some major advantages, such as:

• You can learn songs faster.

• You can read drum exercises and practice routines.

• You can write down your own beats and fills.

• You’ll be more comfortable playing with bands or in school ensembles.

• You can understand sheet music in books or online

Whether you want to play rock, jazz, pop or metal, reading music notes for drums is a skill that pays off tenfold.

The Drum Staff: What You're Looking At

Drum music is written on a staff with five lines, just like other instruments. But in drum sheet music, each line or space represents a different part of the drum kit. Here's a quick breakdown of common placements:

• Bass Drum (Kick): Bottom space.

• Snare Drum: Upper middle space.

• Hi-Hat: Top line or with an “x” note head above the staff.

• Tom Toms: Vary by size, high toms are higher on the staff, floor toms lower.

• Cymbals (Crash/Ride): Shown with “x” note heads above the staff.

Each drum or cymbal has a unique place on the staff. Once you know where each piece lives, you’ll start recognizing them quickly.

Note Values: How Long Should You Play?

Just like other instruments, drum music uses note values to show timing. These tell you how long to play each note. 

• Quarter note: One beat (looks like a filled-in circle with a stem).

• Eighth note: Half a beat (often grouped in pairs).

• Sixteenth note: A quarter of a beat (has two flags or beams).

• Whole note: Four beats (an open circle with no stem).

You’ll also see rests, which are symbols for silence. For example, a quarter rest means you stay quiet for one beat.

Overview of Time Signatures

At the beginning of most drum music, you’ll see a time signature, like 4/4 or 3/4. This tells you how the beats are grouped.

• 4/4 time means four beats per measure and a quarter note gets one beat.

• 3/4 time means three beats per measure which is often used in waltzes or slower songs.

• 6/8 time has six beats per measure but they feel like two larger beats grouped in threes.

Understanding time signatures helps you count and feel the rhythm correctly when you play.

Common Drum Notation Symbols

Here are a few symbols and markings you’ll see often in drum partiture:

• “x” note heads: Usually mean a cymbal or hi-hat.

• Stems up vs. down: Stems up often show cymbals; stems down are usually drums.

• Hi-hat foot pedal: Marked with a small “x” sign below the staff.

• Open hi-hat: Marked with a small “o” above the note.

• Crash cymbal: Usually sits on top of the staff with an “x” and circle.

• Snare hits: Shown on the upper-middle line.

• Bass drum: Bottom space of the staff.

Over time, you’ll learn these symbols just by seeing and playing them again and again.

Tips for Learning to Read Drum Notation

Like any new skill, reading drum music takes time and practice. Here are a few tips to help:

• Start slow: Choose simple rhythms first.

• Count out loud: Saying “1-and-2-and-3-and-4-and” helps you stay in time.

• Clap or tap first: You don’t need a drum set to learn rhythm.

• Use online sheet music: Look up beginner-friendly drum sheet music to practice.

• Work with a qualified drum teacher: They can guide you through it step-by-step.

• Be patient: It’s normal if it feels confusing at first, it does get easier!

  

  
  

FAQs About Reading Drum Music

Q: Do I have to read music to play drums?

A: No, although it really helps if you want to perform in bands, take lessons or learn songs rapidly.

Q: Is drum sheet music the same as piano or guitar sheet music?

A: It follows the same fundamental structure, but the symbols and location change.

Q: What's the simplest method to start reading drum music?

A: Begin with simple rhythms in 4/4 time and fundamental rock beats. Try reading and playing one drum at a time.

Learn More About Drum Notation at Greater Toronto Music School

Learning to read drum sheet music is one of the most beneficial things you can do as an inexperienced drummer. It provides you with the tools you require to better understand music, learn new songs faster and communicate more effectively with other musicians.

At Greater Toronto Music School, we help drummers of all abilities get comfortable playing and reading music. Whether you're just getting started or want to improve your reading abilities, we're here to help. Visit our website to book drum lessons or learn more about our programs!