How to Read Drum Set Sheet Music

Some drummers like to deny the importance in knowing how to read sheet music. Notations and sheet music helps the drummer better perform his art and play with more confidence. The trick to being able to learn sheet music is learning the symbols and what they represent on the drum set. In this article, you will learn the basics of reading music.

Things You'll Need

• Drum sheet music
• Drum set

Instructions

1. Notice the bar. The first thing to notice on a piece of sheet music is the five lines grouped together. This is the bar. Notes that are to be played will be represented on the bar. In some cases, the bar can have one to five lines when it comes to drum notes.

2. Take notice of the time signature. On the left side of the bar is a fraction. This is the time signature. This is an indicator of the beat or rhythm of the music.

3. Follow the hi-hat notations. This is indicated as an 'X' above the top line. Hi-hats are to be played with a drumstick and the left foot on the hi-hat pedal. Hi-hat symbols below the last line of the bar are to be played by just using the foot on the hi-hat petal alone.

4. Follow the ride cymbal notations. The ride cymbal notation looks like a star (*) but is called an "X" on a line. It is similar to the hi-hat symbol and is used to represent time. This symbol also sits above the top line.

5. Follow the snare drum notations. This is the most important note to follow because it is the vital part of the drum beat. This is marked with a simple note sitting on the middle line of the bar.

6. Follow the bass drum notations. This note sits on the bottom line of the bar. It is a simple note played by placing the right foot onto the bass drum petal.

7. Learn the tom-tom notations. This is also represented with a simple note. However, the note is a little more difficult to sight read. The note sits in the gaps between the lines instead of on the line like the other notes. The "hi-tom" is indicated on the top gap. The "mid-tom" sits in the second gap from the top. The "low-tom" is on the third gap from the top.

Tips & Warnings

• If the drum set has two bass drums or double pedals for both feet, the left foot is notated with a simple note below the last line of the bar. This is found in more advanced sheet music, and never at the beginner or intermediate levels. For drum sets with more than three toms, there isn't any notation for them on sheet music. Drummers may improvise and throw in additional toms patterns into the music.