Notation Guides
Drum kit notation can seem daunting at first but is actually quite straightforward once you understand the two key elements: rhythm (when to hit) and voicing (what to hit).
The following guides are available as free downloads:
- Drum Kit Notation Guide — where the parts of the kit are written in standard notation, plus easy steps for reading drum music. This file is regularly updated.
- Note Values Overview — a brief guide to note values and different note heads.
- Structure Markings Abbreviation Guide — a reference for the structure marking abbreviations used throughout Drumscore transcriptions.
The notation guide is also expanded across three free lessons covering Drums, Cymbals and Percussion — these can be found in the Lessons section. There is also a free article on structure markings available there.
For further reading, Norman Weinberg's A Guide To Standardized Drum Kit Notation is highly recommended, and the Percussive Arts Society has useful information on standard drum kit notation.
If you have questions or need additional help, email
How To Download Scores
All transcriptions are purchased and delivered as PDF files. Here's how the process works:
- 1. Find your scores
- Browse the Sheet Music section using Browse by Artist, Browse by Drummer, Browse All, or the search bar in the top right of every page. Click 'Add to Cart' for each score you want — your basket total updates automatically.
- 2. Review your cart
- You can review, add or remove items at any time by clicking the basket icon in the top right of the page.
- 3. Check out
- When you're ready, click 'Proceed to Checkout'. You'll need to be logged in to complete a purchase — if you don't have an account yet, you can register during this step. If you don't have a billing address saved, you'll be asked to add one (this is used to ensure PayPal loads in the correct language for your location).
- 4. Payment
- Once logged in, click 'Proceed to Payment'. You'll be redirected to PayPal where you can pay via your PayPal account or by debit or credit card. Review your order and confirm payment.
- 5. Download your files
- Once payment is confirmed you'll be taken to a thank you screen. You'll also receive two emails — a PayPal receipt and a Drumscore email containing your download links. Click the links to download your PDFs. Each download link allows up to 5 downloads.
If a download link has expired or you're having any other issues, email
Not sure about the quality? Try downloading a free sample score first — the process is identical but without the payment step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Finding & Browsing
- How do I find the song I'm looking for?
- There are several ways. If you know the artist, the Browse by Artist page lists every artist in the collection alphabetically. If you know the drummer, Browse by Drummer is great for finding songs by a specific player. You can also browse Best Sellers, Recent Additions and Full Albums. The Browse All page has filters for difficulty and tempo. There's also a search bar in the top right of every page — type an artist or song title and if we have it, it'll show up.
- I want to check the quality before buying — how can I do this?
- We have a collection of free sample scores for exactly this purpose.
- I need a transcription of a song that isn't in the collection — can you help?
- Yes — check the Services page for full details on custom transcription requests.
- Can I change the currency?
- Yes — use the currency dropdown at the top of the screen (it'll show your current currency, e.g. $USD). We support US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand Dollars, British Pounds, Euros and Japanese Yen.
Orders & Checkout
- What do order statuses mean?
- There are four statuses: Created — the transaction has started but isn't complete, no payment taken yet. Confirmed — payment complete, your download links will be in the confirmation email. Cancelled — the order has been cancelled; contact
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you need a refund. Refunded — payment has been returned. - There was a problem with my order — what do I do?
- Email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your order number and details of the problem. - How do I pay by credit or debit card?
- Go through the Drumscore checkout as normal. Once you reach PayPal, select 'Pay With a Debit or Credit Card' below the login box and follow the on-screen instructions. If you have any trouble, email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . - How do I view my previous orders?
- Log in and go to Account → Main → View Your Orders.
- How many times can I download my files?
- Each download link allows up to 5 downloads. If you run into issues or need a link refreshed, email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your order number and username. - I've lost a file I ordered — can I get it again?
- Yes, just email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your order number and username.
Transcriptions
- What software do you use?
- Sibelius for all transcribing. For personal use, MuseScore is an excellent free alternative.
- How accurate are Drumscore transcriptions?
- Very accurate. Every transcription is proofread and we use MP3 speed-altering software to improve accuracy. Longer or more complex songs may occasionally contain small errors — if you spot one, report it to
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we'll correct it and send you an updated copy. - What should I do if I think there's an error?
- Email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . We'll re-check the transcription and send you a corrected version. - It looks like some bars are missing from my score — what's going on?
- Every bar is accounted for in a Drumscore transcription. When repeat marks are used (including D.C. al Coda), bar numbers continue from where the repeated section ends, which can make it look like bars are missing. They're not — it's just how repeats are notated.
- I don't understand part of my transcription — what should I do?
- The Notation Guides and Structure Markings guides at the top of this page cover most common questions. For anything more specific, email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Account & Settings
- How do I change my personal details?
- Go to Account → Main → Edit Profile.
- Why do I need to enter an address if everything is delivered electronically?
- It's used to ensure PayPal loads in the correct language for your location. Without it, PayPal defaults to French.
- How do I subscribe or unsubscribe from the newsletter?
- Go to Account → Main → Edit Profile → Mailing Lists tab.
- I have a suggestion for the site — how do I get in touch?
- Email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. — suggestions are always welcome. - Where are you based?
- Dan is based in Derbyshire, England.