Step 1: LEARN THE SONG with the BASIC Sheet

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Start with the simplified grooves and some of your own fills. Focus on the songform and just enjoy playing along to the music. Once you feel confident playing the song without the sheet, move on to the next step.

 

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Step 2: TRAIN YOUR EARS - NO SHEETS!

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Now listen to the original recording and ask yourself some questions:

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• What differences do you notice compared to your own playing? (Do you hear extra details missing from the BASIC sheet?​)

• How does the drummer connect the sections of the song? (How do fills, accents, and dynamics help the music flow naturally from one part to the next?)

• How do the drums sound? (Are they played loud or soft? How would you imagine the drummer moves while playing? What about the tuning?)

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Step 3: TAKE IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL with the PRO Sheet

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Now that you’re comfortable with the song itself, start working out the details for each part. Did you already hear some of the changes before seeing them note-for-note? Great — now lock them in.

 

Optional: Some songs include a FULL Transcription of the original recording. Use it for deep analysis, ear training, or to peek at the finer details — but only if you really tried to figure out the interesting parts WITHOUT any written help. You’ll eventually get really good at that! 

 

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Any questions about drum notation or reading sheet music in general? Check the Blog!

Or email us at prodrumsheets@gmail.com - we’ll get back to you in no time.

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