Reading Drum Music & The Charts

Excerpt from the book Easy Rock Drum Charts by James Morton

I started writing these charts decades ago as an exercise to myself, and also as a teaching aid to my students for reading drum music. But don't be surprised if you enjoy yourself in the process of reading these charts! My students and I have enjoyed playing these transcriptions of rock classics for years, and I'd like to pass on the opportunity to you.

These charts can be approached on different levels. Beginners new to drumming will benefit from learning about keeping good time, feel, and form.

For those drummers who have been playing for awhile, I encourage you to try and nail these charts correctly the first time through. Try to capture the feel and style of each individual chart. Whether a chart is simple or complex, be true to the musical context.

"Any reading is good reading."

I share this truism with my students whenever the subject arises, and often I relate this analogy to them: I live in southern California, but have never been on a surfboard in my life. If I decided that I wanted to be a surfer, I might do any of the following things: subscribe to a surfing magazine, watch surfing movies and videos, hang out with other surfers, wear surfer clothes, talk surfer talk, etc. You get the idea. But isn't there something missing in that list?

If I really wanted to surf, what would I have to do?

I would have to conquer my fears, and get on that surfboard! I might wipe out a few times, but if I were persistent, sooner or later I'd be standing on that board, doing what I set out to do.

Now, what if you really wanted to read drum music?

You would not just read an article or book about reading drum music. You would actually read drum music...

And keep reading drum music...

And read some more drum music after that. Until it got easier. Simple as that.

Foreign language teachers call this concept "immersion."

As I said above, you can approach these charts on any level. I would advise advanced drummers to play these charts as if you were in the recording studio, paying careful attention to playing with a consistent sound and feel, in addition to reading them well.

Remember, to read well, you must be well read.

And with that I leave it up to you to become well read. You can get started or further hone your reading and playing skills by checking out the hundreds of songs of drum sheet music we have to offer you.

Happy drumming!

James Morton

P.S. If you are strongly committed to becoming a better drummer you might rather check out our drum chart books, where you also have the option to create your own book.

Or you can read some more articles.