Are you interested in learning how to read drum sheet music? Are the seemingly random lines, dots, and symbols leaving you baffled? Whether you are looking at tabs on the Internet or “real” drum music in a book or magazine, those “strange symbols” can actually unlock the door to learning your favorite music; it is the language of music notation, and is easier to learn than you might expect.
There are two types of drum music notation.
1. Drum tabs you can find on the Internet
2. Traditional drum music notation
Drum Tabs
Drum tabs, which have been developed over the last 10 years due to the ease and convenience of the Internet, have become increasingly popular. Authors can produce the tabs at no cost, because no expensive software is needed. Readers don’t need special software to view the tabs either, so a natural “partnership” is achieved between author and reader. Tab notation represents the division of beats with small dashes, and these dashes also serve as the five-line stave. Drum elements are represented by circles or the letter “o,” while an “x” represents hi-hats or cymbals. These elements are written similarly to traditional drum notation; but there are some differences.
The biggest problem with drum tabs is that it is difficult for the author to accurately represent rhythmic values, making it hard for the reader to interpret them accurately as well. Many of my students have brought me tabs that they want to learn, but if I don’t know the song myself, I’ve found it almost impossible to work out the rhythms of the drum parts. And this leads us to a much easier way to read drum sheet music….
Reading Traditional Drum Notation
Traditional drum notation is written on sheet music manuscript paper or with special notation software. Some drawbacks to using software are the cost of purchasing it, the learning curve to master it, and with some software, the requirement that the end user be using the same software in order to read it. Some software does allow the music to be published in PDF format, which makes things easier for the end user; this at least makes the notation much clearer and easier to read than notation done in Word documents.
The site below gives many examples of drum notation created using dedicated software, along with lessons that teach you how to read drum music. It’s surprisingly very easy. You’ll find that each part of a typical drum kit has its own line or space. Near the bottom of the five-line stave you’ll see “notes” for the bass and other low drums. Cymbals are usually represented by “notes” at the top of the stave. Each note represents a specific length of time, just like piano music or any other type of instrumental music. You can therefor accurately understand the exact rhythm of the drum parts you’ll be playing.
Being able to accurately and precisely represent rhythm is the big advantage of traditional drum notation. Every drummer needs to develop their skills in reading these rhythms. And with just a little bit of effort in learning to read traditional drum notation, you’ll unlock the door to the world of music that you love and want to play.
