How to Read Drum Notation

Updated: 2026-02-06

If you are searching for drum notation basics, start with staff layout and note positions before speed practice.

Practice Steps

Read the five-line staff top-down: cymbals on top, snare in the middle, kick on the bottom space.
Count one beat as 1 e + a for 16th notes, or 1-trip-let for triplets.
Start at 60 BPM and loop one bar until hand and foot timing is stable.
Use accent marks to shape groove dynamics instead of only playing louder.