The first step is to understand the basic parts of the sheet music<\/a>:<\/p>\n The musical staff includes five lines. The position of the notes on these lines tell you which drums or cymbals to hit.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”93″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The staff is separated by bars. Each bar is called a measure. At the start of the staff is a time signature, which is a number that indicates the number of beats (the count) for the measure. If you see a \u201c4\u201d at the beginning of the staff, each measure consists of four beats.<\/p>\n Note Placement Tells You What to Play<\/strong><\/p>\n The placement of the notes<\/a> on the staff tells you what piece of the drum kit to play. Here is a breakdown of note placement for each part of the drum set:<\/p>\n For example, if the note is above the fifth line of the staff, you play the bass drum<\/a>. If the note sits above the third line, you play the snare drum. If it rests on the second line, you play the mid-tom.<\/p>\n The cymbals are represented by Xs on the staff instead of circles. As the hi-hat and ride cymbals have the same note placement, you play the hi-hat unless the sheet music<\/a> specifies otherwise.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”95″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”3\/4″][vc_column_text]The <\/strong>Notes Set the Beat for the Music<\/a><\/p>\n Along with the placement of the note, you need to look at the type of note. This tells you when to hit the drum as you count the beats:<\/p>\n For example, when playing a whole note, you hit the drum on the first count and wait for three more beats before playing the next note.<\/p>\n You now know the basics of reading drum sheet music<\/a>. As with learning how to play<\/a> drums, learning to read drum notations takes practice. Keep reading and playing and it should come naturally.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n\n
\n
\n