Drum Notation

Notation of percussion instruments

Percussion notation conventions are varied because of the wide range of percussion instruments. Percussion instruments are generally grouped into two categories: pitched and non-pitched. The notation of non-pitched percussion instruments is the more problematic and less standardized. Non-pitched percussion notation on a conventional staff once commonly employed the bass clef, but a neutral staff of two parallel vertical lines is usually preferred now. In drum tabs, it is usual to label each instrument and technique the first time it is introduced, or to add an explanatory footnote, to clarify certain notes in a tab. Below is an example of drum set notation (aka drum tabs):

Drums

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Cymbals

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Dynamic accents