Complete Drum Set Notation Guide — How to Read and Write Drum Parts

Go beyond basic drum notation — ghost notes, open/closed hi-hat, cymbal bells, rim shots, cross-stick, brushes, and writing effective drum charts for any style.

The Drummer's View of the Staff

Drum notation uses a five-line staff where each line or space represents a different drum or cymbal — not a pitch. Unlike pitched instruments, the vertical position of a note tells the drummer what to hit, while the note shape tells them how to articulate it.

Standard Drum Key (Expanded)

Hi-hat (x note head, top space): played with stick. Open hi-hat: circle above or 'o' marking. Closed hi-hat: '+' marking. Ride cymbal (x note head, top line). Crash cymbal (x note head, first ledger line above). Snare (regular note head, second space from top). Cross-stick: 'x' note head on snare line. Rim shot: accent with 'RS' marking. Bass drum (regular note head, bottom space). Hi-hat foot (bottom line, 'x' note head). Toms: various lines/spaces.

Ghost Notes

Very soft notes (usually snare) notated in parentheses or with a smaller note head. Ghost notes are the secret sauce of funky drumming — the notes you feel more than hear. They fill the space between the backbeat and make a groove breathe.

Frequently Asked Questions