Transcriptions
Modern Drummer is the world’s most widely read drum magazine, is dedicated entirely to the art of drumming and caters to the needs of amateur, semi-pro, and professional drummers.
"Regatta de Blanc" by The Police, drummer Stewart Copeland
There are certain drummers whose sound is so distinct; you only need to hear a few bars to know exactly who it is. Stewart Copeland is one of those players. His snare tone, phrasing, and high-energy feel are instantly recognizable—…
Yes, "Heart of the Sunrise," from the recording Fragile, drummer Bill Bruford
This month’s transcription comes from the classic 1971 Yes album Fragile. Featuring the legendary Bill Bruford, “Heart of the Sunrise” closes the album—and in my opinion, stands as one of the greatest Yes tracks ever recorded. Rhythmically it’s a fantastic…
Billy Cobham "Quadrant 4" from the Billy Cobham recording Spectrum
Let’s rewind to October 3rd, 1973—the day Spectrum by the legendary Billy Cobham hit the world. Recorded in just three days, the album captures a raw, live energy, with most tracks laid down in only one or two takes. That urgency and…
Earth, Wind & Fire's "Getaway" from the recording Spirit, Fred White, Drummer
This month’s transcription is a tribute to the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire. The track “Getaway” appears on the band’s seventh studio album “Spirit,” released in 1976. Among the group’s lineup was drummer Fred White—one of three brothers in the…
Primus "Eleven" from Sailing the Seas of Cheese, drummer Tim Alexander
This month’s transcription honors Primus and their “old” drummer Tim Alexander, with the Primus track “Eleven” from their album Sailing the Seas of Cheese. As the title implies, the song is based in an 11-beat groove. To make the rhythm easier to read…
Tool "Chocolate Chip Trip," from Fear Inoculum, drummer Danny Carey
This month’s transcription highlights the incredible drumming of Tool’s Danny Carey. The song “Chocolate Chip Trip,” from their 2019 album Fear Inoculum, serves in part as a tribute to the legendary Billy Cobham. “Chocolate Chip Trip” mirrors the opening of Cobham’s Stratus from…
Don Grolnick's "Nothing Personal," from Michael Brecker S/T, Jack DeJohnette drums.
The first transcription of 2025 highlights the legendary Jack DeJohnette, taken from Michael Brecker’s debut solo album. The track, “Nothing Personal,” exemplifies DeJohnette’s status as one of the greatest jazz drummers of all time. Jack’s drumming is both innovative and…
Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” drummer, Bill Ward
This month, in honor of the legendary Bill Ward, I’ve transcribed the classic song “War Pigs” from Black Sabbath’s iconic second album, Paranoid. This song showcases Ward as a true pioneer of metal drumming. From beginning to end, it’s a powerhouse…
Led Zeppelin “Hots On For Nowhere” drummer John Bonham
This month, we take a step back in time to spotlight one of the all-time great drummers, John Bonham. What more can be said about him that hasn’t already been covered? Our song of choice is “Hots On for Nowhere”…
Slipknot’s “Sulfur,” drummer, Joey Jordison
This month, we dive into the world of Slipknot with their high-energy track, “Sulfur.” Get ready to move fast because this one is a real foot burner! “Sulfur” comes from their album All Hope Is Gone. Written by guitarist Jim…
Neil Peart’s “Xanadu” - Transcription by Marc Atkinson
Neil Peart was known by many names and nicknames, The Professor, Lurch, Bubba, Pratt, John Ellwood Taylor, Milton Banana, and if you were fortunate enough to correspond with him via email, NEP. I was lucky to exchange emails with Neil…
