Blues Drum Notation

Read the Rhythm. Understand the Groove.

Explore written rhythm examples that reveal the patterns, accents, and structure behind authentic blues drumming. These notation resources give drummers, students, educators, and musicians a visual reference for studying blues shuffles, slow blues, rhumba rhythms, artist-influenced grooves, and other essential feels.

Use the notation to study the foundation of each rhythm, then visit the Blues Groove Library to hear how many of these grooves feel with drums, bass, and guitar.

Select any notation below to open or download the PDF.

Explore the Notation Library

Choose a groove below to view or download the written rhythm. These PDFs provide core patterns and study references related to the groove recordings; they are not intended as note-for-note transcriptions of the audio performances.

Hear the Grooves Behind the Notation

Written notation shows the structure of a rhythm, but the feel comes alive when it is played. Continue to the Blues Groove Library to hear these blues rhythms with drums, bass, and guitar, or watch Kenny demonstrate selected grooves behind the drum kit.

Rooted in Chicago. Driven by Feel. One groove at a time.