Percussion Notation for Drum Set

Staff and Ledger Lines

Musical notation uses a five-line staff to represent pitch. Drum set parts, being non-melodic, utilize the staff to represent individual drums and cymbals. Ledger lines extend the staff to accommodate instruments outside the standard five lines.

Rhythmic Values

Note values dictate the duration of a sound. Whole, half, quarter, eighth, sixteenth, and thirty-second notes (and beyond) are commonly used. Rests represent silence and have corresponding values.

Instrument Placement on the Staff

Each line and space on the staff typically represents a different instrument within the drum set. This assignment can vary between composers and arrangers, but certain conventions are generally observed:

• Common Placements: High-hat, snare drum, bass drum, various toms, ride cymbal, crash cymbal.
• Key/Legend: Always consult the provided key or legend at the beginning of the piece or section to verify instrument assignments.

Note Head Shapes

Different note head shapes can indicate alternative playing techniques or further clarify instrument assignment. For example:

• 'X' Note Heads: Often used for cymbals, particularly hi-hat when played open.
• Regular Note Heads: Typically represent drums.

Time Signatures

The time signature, located at the beginning of a piece, indicates the number of beats per measure (the top number) and the note value that receives one beat (the bottom number). Common time signatures include 4/4, 3/4, and 6/8.

Dynamics and Articulation

Dynamic markings (e.g., p for piano, f for forte) indicate the volume or loudness. Articulation markings (e.g., staccato, accent) specify how each note should be played.

Repeats and Endings

Repeat signs indicate sections of music to be repeated. First and second endings provide alternate conclusions to repeated sections.

Accidentals

Accidentals (sharps, flats, and naturals) are not frequently used in drum set music since it is non-melodic. However, they may be employed in specific situations to indicate a change in a tuned percussion instrument, such as a cowbell.

Specialized Notation

Certain techniques necessitate specific symbols or notation:

• Flam: Two notes played almost simultaneously.
• Drag: A series of two or more grace notes played before the primary note.
• Roll: A sustained sound achieved by rapidly alternating strokes.