Drum notation: drum set elements in sheet music.
Learn to read the conventional graphic symbols for drums and cymbals.
What are the elements of a drum set? The main elements that make up a drum kit are snare drum, bass drum and hi-hat.
Every drum set includes also one or more toms, one or more floor toms and one or more cymbals.
There are many kinds of cymbals, the most commonly used ones are the ride and the crash (for accented strokes).
The scores shown in this page contain the conventional symbols corresponding to the drum set elements,
which are also used in drum sheet music related to online video lessons.
Drums - In drum sheet music the various drum elements are represented by a rounded note.
Each note position corresponds to a specific drum set element.
Cymbals - In drum sheet music cymbals and hi-hat are represented by a x-shaped note.
Each note position corresponds to a specific cymbal type.
For a more in-depth study on drum sheet music see also:
Notes and Rests
Symbols and values of notes and rests in drum notation.
Tie and Dot
Using tie and dot in drum sheet music.
About Virtual Drumming online drum tutorials
Virtual Drumming is an interactive drums method, with free online
basic drum lessons,
advanced lessons and
drum sheet music in pdf format.
The first drum lessons of this method deal with the right posture, which is the basic condition
to develop speed, endurance and precision with your playing.
Advanced lessons are directed to the drummer who has some experience, who knows the musical theory
and basic drum techniques and wishes to improve his knowledge and his skills.
The drum sheet music for the lessons is available in PDF format, so you can print it out and practice the exercises on the drums.
All the drum lessons are performed in real time by the virtual drummer.
Just like a music teacher the virtual drummer plays at the desired speed the lesson on the score,
making learning easier and reading more understandable even for beginners.