Digital Drum Sheet Music Library
Quality Transcriptions You Can Count On
All the drum sheet music found on this page and throughout the site are full, note-for-note transcriptions transcribed by James Morton--long-time professional drummer, author of over a dozen books with Mel Bay Publications, and creator of the "Rock Charts" column formerly found in Modern Drummer--over the course of his 40+ year career.
Bulk Order Discounts
| 5-9 charts | 15% off |
| 10-19 charts | 25% off |
| 20-29 charts | 35% off |
| 30+ charts | 40% off |
Title
Artist
Year
Comments
Music
Price
Buy
Paul Simon
1976
One of the most famous drum patterns in rock: Steve Gadd rules.
$3.99
Robert Palmer
1986
Might as well face it: "The lights are on/But you're not home." The Greatest Hits album version.
$3.99
The Temptations
1966
This Motown classic was almost not released. Funk Brothers play.
$2.99
Beatles
1964
From the With The Beatles CD. A great lesser known Lennon song.
$2.99
Pink Floyd
1979
The chorus came from a school in Islington, England, and was chosen because it was close to the studio.
$2.99
Queen
1980
Queen bass player John Deacon wrote this number one hit.
$2.99
Journey
1980
Steve Perry and Neal Schon wrote this on the tour bus. Steve Smith drums.
$4.99
Carla Thomas
1966
If you like Aretha & Etta James, you'll love this. Stax Records classic.
$2.99
Beatles
1963
The Beatles do a heartfelt tribute to Smokey Robinson. John sings, Ringo drums.
Free
Slim Harpo
1966
The blues occasionally makes it on the charts, like this one. What, you think a guy named Slim Harpo does rap?
Free
ACDC
1981
Known for its opening guitar riff, the song was AC/DC's tribute to their former singer Bon Scott. Phil Rudd drums.
$3.99
L.T.D.
1977
If you like funky drumming, here it is! Highly recommended chart!.
$3.99
Robert Palmer
1979
"Doctor, Doctor, give me the news - I got a bad case of lovin' you..."
$4.99
Creedence Clearwater Revival
1969
John Fogerty = great songwriter. The refrain in the chorus, "there's a bad moon on the rise," is commonly misheard as "there's a bathroom on the right".
$1.99
Foo Fighters
2005
Nominated for Grammy that year for Best Rock Song. Taylor Hawkins on drums.
$4.99
Michael Jackson
1983
Michael Jackson's biggest hit, produced by Quincy Jones, with drumming by Leon "Ndugu" Chancler.
$4.99
The Verve
1997
Featured in the movie Cruel Intentions, this track has an interesting history regarding the Rolling Stones.
$2.99
The Pretenders
1980
One of the lasting hits of the 80s, still very popular. Brass = money. Drummer = Martin Chambers.
$3.99
Neil Sedaka
1962
Yes it is. This was a hit twice for Neil. "They say that breaking up is hard to do/now I know, I know that it's true..."
$2.99
Van Morrison
1967
A chart by one of my all time favorites-- Van the Man. A real classic.
$2.99
The Foundations
1968
Song refuses to die. Part catchy pop and part kitsch, song has nice drum punches.
$2.99
Red Hot Chili Peppers
2000
Latest song about the Golden State, this one darker in theme. Chad Smith showing how to play ghost notes.
$4.99
Barry White
1974
I polled one of my classes as to who had the sexiest voice. Guess who won?
$2.99
Everly Brothers
1960
The Everly Brothers' biggest hit. Great drumming. Buddy was prolific then.
$2.99
Kool & The Gang
1980
Played everywhere: weddings, political conventions, parties...funerals....
$4.99
Donald Fagen
1988
Tight and crisp funk shuffle, from the movie Bright Lights, Big City. This chart is hand-written, but still reads clean.
$3.99
Aretha Franklin
1967
The Muscle Shoals session musicians tear it up behind Aretha. Roger Hawkins is the soulful drummer.
$3.99
Coldplay
2002
One of the top groups of the last decade, Coldplay's "Clocks" won the Record of the Year Grammy in 2003.
$3.99
James Brown
1967
Could this be the funkiest thing ever recorded? I think it is.
$2.99
Sting
1985
Sting gets jazzy. Omar Hakim manning the drums. Cool, man, just cool.
$4.99
The Little River Band
1979
Australian band that hit it big. Medium tempo 16th note feel. This is a cool chart of a cool song with some cool fills.
$3.99
The Spinners
1972
The Spinners weave their magic. Just relax and groove.
Free
Bob Marley & The Wailers
1980
From his last album, Uprising. This song was written on an airplane.
$2.99
Gnarls Barkley
2006
You'd be crazy not to like this chart. CeeLo Green and Danger Mouse.
$4.99
Smokey Robinson
1979
Smooth as silk. This song took Smokey 5 years to write. "You're gonna fly away, glad you're coming my way."
$2.99
Box Tops
1968
Quintessential '60s song: horns, strings, electric sitar, all at once!
$3.99
Led Zeppelin
1973
From the album Houses Of The Holy, bouncy reggae feel. John Bonham on drums. Cool fills throughout.
$4.99
Sly & The Family Stone
1968
Solid drumming from Gregg Errico on their 1st hit.
$3.99
Bruce Springsteen
1984
"You can't start a fire without a spark...This gun's for hire..."
$4.99
The Four Seasons
1975
Number 1 for 3 weeks, featuring drummer Gerry Polci on vocals as well.
$3.99
Steely Dan
1972
For a group that made use of the absolute best in studio drummers, many people may not recognize the name of the original drummer Jim Hodder. Groove that won't quit.
$4.99
Crowded House
1986
Biggest band in New Zealand has big hit in US. "Trying to catch the deluge in a paper cup."
$3.99
Animals
1965
The Animals were cool, and very blues based. Chas Chandler, the bass player (who recently died) discovered and managed Jimi Hendrix.
$2.99
Police
1981
Reggae-rock as played by Stewart Copeland. Breakthrough drumming.
$4.99
Fleetwood Mac
1977
"Yesterday's gone." Good advice: Think about today. Shuffle feel.
$3.99
Rolling Stones
1980
All 5:39 of it. "You will be mine, you will be mine all mine."
$4.99
Soul Survivors
1967
This Top 10 hit had a great original drum beat. Get this chart, it's a lot of FUN!
$2.99
Portugal. The Man
2018
This 2018 Grammy winner has staying power, having appeared in over half a dozen commercials.
$3.99
Bad Company
1975
To me, this is what rock is all about: organic, emotional and powerful. Add one of the best rock singers of all time (Paul Rodgers) and you've got a winner. Drummer is Simon Kirke.
$4.99
Van Halen
1988
"That ain't the way to treat the broken hearted..." Brother Alex does the drumming. This chart is hand-written, but still reads clean.
$4.99
Linda Ronstadt
1982
One of her many hits, this one is in 7/4. Russ Kunkel on drums.
$2.99
Rolling Stones
1965
Number #1 that year, this was the Stones' answer to pressure for a followup to "Satisfaction."
$3.99
Dave Clark Five
1964
Not quite the Beatles, but fresh and fun. Their first hit. Chunka chunka.
$3.99
Young Rascals
1966
Rough and raw in the studio, this features one the most exciting drummers of that time, Dino Danelli.
$4.99
George Harrison
1987
George covers this obscure early rocker and goes to number one.
$4.99
Hugh Masekela
1968
Grooving instrumental, jazz-rock, easy chart, fun to play.
$2.99
Creedence Clearwater Revival
1969
Swamp rock, from CCR Chronicles. Organic rock and roll with wonderful lyrics. John Fogerty is a wonderful storyteller.
$2.99
Fleetwood Mac
1982
Written by Stevie Nicks, recorded in France, and one of Mick Fleetwood's favorite songs by the group.
$4.99
John Mayer
2009
In March of that year Mayer tweeted: "Waking up to this song idea that won't leave my head. 3 days straight now. That means it's good enough to finish. It's called 'Half of My Heart' and I want to sing it with Taylor Swift." Which he did. From Battle Studies. Steve Jordan drums.
$4.99
Beatles
1964
Title track. Opening chord: G7 (add9sus4). Ringo on drums, naturally.
$2.99
Creedence Clearwater Revival
1971
From CCR Chronicles, one of their many hits.
$3.99
Huey Lewis & The News
1984
From Sports. Do you know what the heart of R&R is? The beat!
$4.99
Beatles
1969
From Abby Road. Some of Ringo's finest drumming. Nice meter changes, fills.
$3.99
Booker T. & The MGs
1967
Get the Best of Booker T. & The MGs. Funky stuff. Al Jackson on drums.
$2.99
Ray Charles
1961
The one and only Ray defied categorization. Number one on rock and R&B charts.
$2.99
Rolling Stones
1969
"Gimme, gimme, gimme the honky tonk blues." BIG HIT, cool chart.
$3.99
Sly & The Family Stone
1969
Vigorous triplet feel. Nice song from Sly. Their drummer Gregg Errico was SOOOO SOLID. A lot to emulate on this chart.
$2.99
The Dream Machine
1967
This band from Houston, TX opened for The Who in 1967. Your transcriber, James Morton, on drums.
Free
Animals
1964
Absolute rock classic of a song that goes back centuries.
$2.99
The Fray
2005
How To Save A Life - Big hit from the Denver, Colorado group. Featured in Gray's Anatomy.
$0.99
R. Kelly
1996
Real easy chart, with some pretty inspiring lyrics. From the movie Space Jam.
$2.99
Ike & Tina Turner
1964
High energy from Ike & Tina. This slightly obscure R&B number was an all-time favorite of Keith Richards.
Free
Four Tops
1965
"Sugar pie honey bunch." From the Detroit clubs to the top of the charts.
$2.99
Patsy Cline
1961
Brush in one hand, crosstick in the other. Buddy Harman on drums again.
$1.99
Bobby Fuller 4
1966
Texas R&R. Bobby died mysteriously in L.A. that same year. Nevertheless, this is a FUN SONG.
$2.99
Marvin Gaye
1968
"Betcha wondrin' how I knew..." What can I say? Another soul classic.
$2.99
Alicia Bridges
1978
"I want some action (pronounced ack-shawn)." BIG dance hit and a fun chart.
$3.99
Aretha Franklin
1968
Top 10 hit for the Queen of soul. Roger Hawkins does some fine drumming.
$4.99
Smokey Robinson
1967
"America's greatest poet," says Bob Dylan. Very cool drumming.
$3.99
Beatles
1964
Great song, from A Hard Day's Night. Early Beatles were fabulous for sure.
$1.99
U2
1987
Have you tried looking in the closet? Bad joke. Good chart though, from the Irish supergroup that Kevin loves.
$4.99
Sam & Dave
1968
Gospel inflected soul hit. Al Jackson drums. "Give me some of that o-l-d soul clapping."
$2.99
Foreigner
1985
Huge hit, Dennis Elliot drums, big choir in background.
$3.99
Temptations
1968
"Sunshine, blue sky, please go away..." Light and funky at the same time.
$2.99
Staple Singers
1972
#1 funky song with Roger Hawkins again. Very nice!!!!!
$3.99
Herman's Hermits
1964
Carole King wrote hundreds like this. Nice shuffle. British Invasion hit.
$3.99
Bruce Springsteen
1984
A brush in one hand, a stick in another, and hang on to that fast tempo!
$1.99
Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes
1972
This soul ballad has a 6/4 feel. Teddy Pendergrass sings.
$3.99
Big Country
1983
Scottish band, nice drumming by Mark Brzezicki. This chart is hand-written, but still reads clean.
$3.99
Beatles
1965
Many critics put this as John Lennon's greatest song. FromRubber Soul. Awesome drumming by Ringo.
Free
Beach Boys
1963
Where Brian would go when Mike Love got on his nerves. Lot of interesting stories there.
$1.99
Wilson Pickett
1965
Soul classic. Steve Cropper (of the MGs) co-wrote this.
$2.99
Lenny Kravitz
1991
Went to #2 on charts. Title inspired by baseball legend Yogi Berra.
$3.99
Doobie Brothers
1977
Michael McDonald has got a voice. Solid feel on this chart.
$2.99
Kool & The Gang
1983
All Kool & The Gang charts can be found on their Greatest Hits album.
$3.99
Temptations
1971
Beautiful and delicate, a dreamy classic. Tympani & harp.
$2.99
Paul Simon
1980
Steve Gadd's drumming sizzles- see the movie One Trick Pony.
$2.99
James Brown
1968
The star of this 1968 hit, besides the singer of course, is the rhythm section. James Brown heard Starks' drumming, and through persistent efforts, was able to win him over to his own band.
$3.99
Hollies
1972
"Saturday night I was downtown, working for the FBI." Cool song.
$3.99
Yes
1972
Progressive rock band that has been around. Bill Bruford drums.
$3.99
ZZ Top
1979
That band from Texas - from the Deguello album, funky and bluesy.
$3.99
Chuck Berry
1955
From the dawn of R&R, Jasper Thomas is the drummer. Uptempo 2 beat feel is a fun challenge for young drummers.
$1.99
Bobby Bloom
1970
A Top 10 hit about a magical place. Cool percussion parts, and great bass line.
$2.99
Paul McCartney
1989
Nice song from Paul, and clever drumming from Chris Whitten.
$4.99
Mary Wells
1962
Smokey Robinson wrote this hit a year before he wrote the classic "My Girl," which is right above.
$4.99
Bruce Springsteen
1986
From Born In The U.S.A. Great lyrical song. Max Weinberg drums.
$3.99
Bob Marley
1977
The all time king of reggae continues to enchant. If you haven't played a reggae chart, give this a try. The patterns are very interesting.
$2.99
Rolling Stones
1964
Early Stones pay tribute to Buddy Holly, with a Bo Diddley beat.
$2.99
Beatles
1965
John was feeling frustrated, and had no ideas, so he wrote "Nowhere Man." From Rubber Soul, one of the great all time albums.
$3.99
Drifters
1963
I love the Drifters; best doo-wop of all time! Classic song about show biz dreams: "They say the neon lights are bright on Broadway."
$1.99
Roy Orbison
1960
The one and only Roy. His first big hit. Buddy Harman on drums.
$2.99
Journey
1982
Written by band members Steve Perry and Jonathan Cain, this power ballad was one of their biggest hits.
$2.99
James Brown
1964
Yes it is. JB's first foray in the pop Top 40. Great rhythm punches.
$2.99
James Brown
1965
This was the crossover hit that made JB a big star.
$1.99
Eagles
1973
"I like the way your sparkling earrings lay against your skin so brown."
$3.99
Deep Purple
1984
Same titled comeback CD. Meter changes are fun. Heavy sound. This chart is hand-written, but still reads clean.
$4.99
Wild Cherry
1976
Always a crowd pleaser, recently voted #1 greatest funk song of all time!
$3.99
Coasters
1959
They did nothing but funny songs and this is one of them. "You're going to need an ocean/of calamine lotion."
$2.99
Led Zeppelin
1970
This was meant for the Led Zep III album but was released years later on the Coda album.
$2.99
Def Leppard
1987
Anyone notice that Rick plays better now, with one arm? This chart is one of our few hand-written ones, but it's still pretty neat and definitely readable.
$3.99
Red Hot Chili Peppers
2011
Do you like ghost notes? Drummer Chad Smith has a lifetime supply on this song.
$4.99
The Doors
1971
From their album L.A. Woman. One of the Door's best. Atmosphere to the max.
$4.99
Gerry Rafferty
1979
Very clever song form, reminiscent of Beatle chord changes. His followup to "Baker Street."
$1.99
Aretha Franklin
1971
Bernard Purdie is great. If you don't believe it, just ask him.
$3.99
Hues Corporation
1974
Sounds even better now than way back then. Good production.
$2.99
Creedence Clearwater Revival
1970
One of their many hits during the late 60s and early 70s. Almost a magical groove.
$2.99
Scott McKenzie
1967
"Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair." Hal Blaine drumming.
$3.99
Rolling Stones
1965
"I can't get no...." The Stones' first #1. Charlie Watts on drums. Easy chart.
$2.99
Fleetwood Mac
1975
Written by Christine McVie, it remains one of the group's most popular songs.
$4.99
The White Stripes
2003
Grammy Award for Best Rock Recording for the Michigan duo.
$3.99
Desmond Decker
1967
Reggae classic, from the movie soundtrack, The Harder They Come.
Free
Jr. Walker & The All Stars
1965
Oh yeah, this is good. Totally mesmerizing. "It's party time." Junior Walker can wail like crazy on the sax.
$2.99
The Isley Brothers
1959
They made it up on the spot at a concert. Fun for all. Thanks for the the request Barbara!
$2.99
Motley Crue
1985
Tommy Lee rocks the drums, the other guys are shouting at you-know-who. From the September 1985 Modern Drummer.
$4.99
Otis Redding
1968
Otis had his biggest hit after he died in a plane crash. Tragic. This is classic soul.
$2.99
Nirvana
1992
Huge 1991 hit. Drummer Dave Grohl is continuing on in the Foo Fighters.
$3.99
Grand Funk Railroad
1975
I love the fact that most of this song is just bass, drums, and voice. Hard rock shuffle.
$2.99
Bar-Kays
1967
Fun soul instrumental with nice fills and punches. The title? A few years after the movie Goldfinger.
Free
Robbie Dupree
1980
Same feel as the Doobie Brothers' "What A Fool Believes." Nice drum chart.
$3.99
Jimmy Gilmer & The Fireballs
1963
"There's a crazy little house beyond the tracks/And everybody calls it the Sugar Shack." Coffee houses are popular again.
$2.99
U2
1983
Irish band's early album hit, has lots of energy, creative drumming.
$4.99
Beach Boys
1962
"Let's go surfin' now/Everybody's learnin' how..." Early Beach Boys.
$2.99
Patsy Cline
1963
She had a haunting voice. Go rent the video of the same title. Easy country shuffle on this one.
$2.99
Lynyrd Skynyrd
1974
Southern rock at its finest. "Turn it up!" A real classic.
$4.99
Eagles
1972
Their 1st big hit, and a rock classic today. Made a spot in AZ famous.
$3.99
Doobie Brothers
1976
From the Best Of The Doobies. This has to be in the pocket, or else.
$3.99
Herb Albert & The Tijuana Brass
1965
Hal Blaine gives some very tasty drumming! Nice brushwork with setups and fills.
$2.99
Sly & The Family Stone
1970
JB invented funk, and passed the torch to Sly. Signature bass line.
$3.99
Little Eva
1962
Carole King penned this, her babysitter sang it, and it rocks.
$1.99
Led Zeppelin
1973
From the Houses of the Holy album, the title refers to the sea of fans seen from the stage. John Bonham on drums.
$4.99
Bruce Hornsby
1986
Syncopated piano riff later sampled by Tupac Shakur. Went to number one.
$2.99
UB40
1989
Band from Great Britain does covers with a reggae flair. Originally by the Temptations.
Free
Bob Dylan
2000
Dylan wrote this for the movie Wonder Boys. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in a movie.
$4.99
Beatles
1964
Great song, from A Hard Day's Night. Minor verse into major chorus.
$2.99
Aretha Franklin
1968
Her seventh Top Ten hit, this featured the soulful and funky drumming of Roger Hawkins. Also featured in The Blues Brothers movie.
$2.99
Ed Sheeran
2014
Grammy Song of the Year, 2016. Deceptive and interesting drumming.
$2.99
Everly Brothers
1959
Don & Phil again. 4 stroke ruffs all over the place. Buddy Harman on drums.
$2.99
Rush
1981
Famous fills by Neil Peart. Landmark song from Canadians. Full 4 page chart.
$4.99
Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose
1972
Their million seller followup to "Treat Her Like A Lady".
$3.99
Righteous Bros.
1965
Hal Blaine on drums. Pretty song from the movie "Ghost."
$3.99
The Drifters
1964
Nothing says "summer" better than this classic by the Drifters.
Free
The Drifters
1963
"When this old world starts getting me down..." Absolute R&R classic. This song officially endorsed by Billy Joel.
$2.99
Shocking Blue
1970
Did you know this band was from the Netherlands? Phonetic singing. Now it's used pretty famously in cosmetic commercials.
$3.99
The Left Banke
1966
Sounds of the harpsichord permeate this lovely baroque rock piece. Wistful song.
$3.99
Four Seasons
1963
"My cool father, said give her up, don't bother/the world ain't comin' to an end. He said to walk like a man..." Great song.
$3.99
Patsy Cline
1957
Thanks to commercial this is popular once again. Great singer.
$1.99
Animals
1965
Chas Chandler, the bass player (who recently died) discovered and managed Jimi Hendrix. Speaking of which, this song is written around the repeating bass guitar riff. Very intense, driving song, giving Eric Burden a chance to growl.
$2.99
Jimmy Ruffin
1966
Reflective sad song: "I know I've got to find/Some kind of peace of mind." Jimmy's brother David sang for the Temptations.
$2.99
Tina Turner
1984
From Simply The Best. Easy chart with meter changes.
$2.99
Jefferson Airplane
1967
Best use of dynamics ever in a pop song. The height of psychedelia, and on many 'best songs ever' lists. Nice snare drumming.
$3.99
Rolling Stones
1971
One of the greatest Stones songs, and one of the greatest R&R songs. Charlie Watts on drums.
$3.99
Shirelles
1961
1st ever girl group #1 song. New York studio craftmanship. 1st Carole King hit. Girl group classic.
$2.99
Surfaris
1963
Every drummer gets asked at some point: "Can you play 'Wipeout'?" Here's your chance to learn how!
$3.99