Drum Notation Guide — How to Read and Write Drum Parts

Learn to read and write drum notation — kick, snare, hi-hat, toms and cymbals placement on the percussion staff, plus note-head shapes for different drum sounds.

The Percussion Staff

Unlike pitched instruments, drum notation uses a neutral clef (two vertical lines) where each line or space represents a different drum or cymbal — not a specific pitch. The layout is standardized across most publishers.

Standard Drum Key

• Top space (above staff): Crash cymbal
• Top line: Hi-hat (x note head) or ride cymbal
• Second space: Snare drum (regular note head)
• Bottom space: Hi-hat with foot
• Bottom line: Bass drum (kick)