Basic Drum Notation
Learn Basic Drum Notation!
Now its time to learn how to read basic drum notation. Reading sheet music can be a little intimidating at first, but once you undersatnd the basics it really isn't as difficult as most people think. Turn to the guide basic drum notation in your rock drumming system book, or download the file from the this page.
As you can see, the first line on the staff is your hi-hat. Actually, it sits right above the first line on the staff. Beside that on the page is the open hi-hat. As you can see, it is on the same line, but has a little circle over it to indicate that the hi-hat is open.
After the hi-hat on your sheet, you'll see the notation for the snare drum. You'll see which line represents the snare and how snare drum ghost notes are notated. Actually, ghost notes for all of the drums are indicated in the same way. Ghost notes are hit very softly in relation to normal notes.
Following along the chart you'll come to the bass drum, ride cymbal, high tom, mid tom and low tom. All of those should be self explanatory. You'll notice that the notation for hitting the hi-hat with your foot is on the bottom of the staff, opposite where the notation for hitting with your stick is. There is also special notation for the bell of the ride cymbal.
After the notation for the crash cymbal notation, you'll see special notation for cymbal choking. That means to hit the crash cymbal and then mute it right after to avoid letting it ring out. The final notation on the page, cross-stick on snare, means to hit the rim of the snare with the butt of your stick.
Next Lesson - Note Value Exercise
