Song 2 Drum Transcription

Blur

Note-for-note transcription of Dave Rowntree’s high-octane drum part on Song 2 from Blur’s self-titled album (1997).

Around 130 BPM, 4/4. The main groove is a relentless, driving force—8th-note floor tom and snare interplay that hits like a freight train.

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Song 2 Drum Transcription

The Song 2 drum transcription captures the frantic, distorted energy of the Britpop explosion turning into a grunge-inspired powerhouse.

What makes this track interesting is the sheer simplicity of the beat paired with the explosive dynamic shifts.

The verse is a tight, muffled floor tom groove that builds tension before the chorus “blows the doors off” with heavy-hitting crashes and a wide-open snare.

Dave Rowntree’s approach here is all about the “wall of sound.” He isn’t overplaying; he’s providing the heavy lifting that allows the distorted guitars to soar.

The fills are short, punchy, and mostly centered around the snare and rack toms, requiring a quick, snappy execution to sit right in the pocket. If you’re still getting your head around the sheet music, our drum notation guide will sort you out before you start.

If Song 2 is clicking but you want to explore more of that raw, alternative energy, checking out our Smells Like Teen Spirit drum transcription is the logical next step, it’s a similar “quiet-loud” dynamic but with a lot more throttle.

For those looking to refine their power-hitting without losing their timing, our guide on how to build drumming stamina is worth a read to keep that chorus energy peaking.

Once you’ve mastered the heavy-hitting sections, you might want to look into how to mic a drum set to capture that specific, gritty room sound that makes this track so iconic. This chart lives in our free drum transcriptions library alongside 160+ others.

Difficulty: Beginner — Easy/Intermediate
Tempo: ~130 BPM
Time Signature: 4/4
Key Technique: Floor tom grooves, explosive dynamic shifts, heavy backbeats.

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