Drum Tabs & Why I Simply Don’t Like Them

Drum tabs? Uagh! I. Do. Not. Like. Them. Don’t get me wrong: I can understand why some people love ’em.

• There are a lot of them available online – also for free.
• There is no drum notation software required to write them down.
• They are easy to read, learn and understand. (At least for some.)
• Drum tabs don’t require you to read formal drum notes.

Heck, so why do I simply don’t like them?

I Prefer Drums Sheet Music

Drum notes are my little helpers and reminders. Just like with the written word, they make it easy for me to

• collect,
• share and
• write down my drumming ideas.

I love it!

Also, they make it really obvious what I have to play. It’s not like they are cryptic or something.

At least if you know how to read the symbols.

So yeah, drum notes are like bringing down my musical brain on the paper.

But tabs for drums are as well, right?

Yes. And no.

Probably The One Reason Why I Don’t Like Drum Tabs

When I was a beginner on the drums, I got me some drum tabs.

I remember practicing a song by Nirvana. Was it Something In The Way? Or maybe Come As You Are? IDK.

What I know, however, is this: The drum tabs didn’t help me at all.

It was like reading a cryptic, overly complex thing. Wasn’t to cool.

Now and then, I still stumble upon drum tabs. I look at them and feel like over 10 years ago.

Is it me? Do I simply not understand the tabs? Or is it something else?

Again: I totally get why some people love them.

I don’t.

Guess it’s just a matter of taste.

And that’s all I wanted to say. Perhaps you don’t like them either and feel bad about it.

You don’t have to. There’s at least one other drummer not using them – me. 🙂

Should you stop reading drum tabs now? Heck, NO!

If you love them, and they help you learn to play the drums: Go for them.

Always feel free to do what’s best for you.

And yes, maybe my mind will change some day. Or not.

Anyway, now you know why I simply don’t like drum tabs.

What about you? Do you like them, or are you more into sheet music like me? Maybe you don’t write down drum beats or fills at all?

Feel free to share your thoughts down in the comments below! I’d really love to know what you think.

Cheers,