Deep Purple – Smoke On The Water

Smoke On The Water drum sheet music – a note-for-note accurate transcription of Ian Paice's drum part on Deep Purple's “Smoke On The Water”, from the album Machine Head (1972). Every groove and fill is written out exactly as recorded, in a clean, print-ready PDF.

About Smoke On The Water drum sheet music

“Smoke On The Water” is from Deep Purple’s 1972 album Machine Head. Its riff is one of the most famous in rock, and the lyrics tell the story of the fire at the Montreux Casino during a Frank Zappa concert.

Ian Paice plays a steady, classic groove that builds with the song. A must-learn for beginners and cover bands.

A drum transcription taken from the original recording

This Smoke On The Water drum transcription was written bar by bar from Deep Purple's studio recording and checked against the track. It is not a live take and nothing is simplified – these are the Smoke On The Water drum notes exactly as they were played on the record.

The notation is clean and professionally engraved, with clearly marked sections and repeats, so it is quick to find your place when you jump to a fill or a chorus. Print it for your music stand or keep it on a tablet – both work well.

Song facts

• Artist: Deep Purple
• Album: Machine Head (1972)
• Drummer: Ian Paice
• Style: hard rock

What you get

When you buy Smoke On The Water drum sheet music, you get:

• The full song, transcribed note-for-note from the original recording
• Clearly labelled song sections
• Professionally engraved, print-ready PDF
• Instant download after purchase

How to practise Smoke On The Water on drums

A step-by-step way to learn Smoke On The Water on drums with the sheet music:

1. Listen with the sheet music. Count the riff before the drums enter.
2. Practise the groove. Keep it steady.
3. Feel the build. The drums grow as the song goes on.
4. Learn the fills. Slowly first, then in context.
5. Play with the record. Lock in with the riff.
6. Record yourself. Check your time.

Why note-for-note sheet music?

Most free Smoke On The Water drum tabs are rough sketches – the main groove, maybe a fill or two, and rhythms that are hard to read. Note-for-note sheet music shows exactly what was played and when, so you learn the real part instead of an approximation, and you learn it faster.

Who is this sheet music for?

Smoke On The Water drum sheet music suits beginners and cover bands.

About Ian Paice

Ian Paice is the only member of Deep Purple to play on every one of their albums. His fast, precise style is heard on classics such as In Rock and Machine Head.

More Deep Purple drum sheet music

Want more than one song? The Beginner Rock Drum Sheet Music Starter Pack includes Smoke On The Water together with other songs, at a lower price than buying them one by one. This is currently the only Deep Purple song in the store – the Deep Purple drum sheet music page will list new ones as they are added. In the meantime, browse the full drum sheet music store.

Frequently asked questions

Does the sheet music cover the whole of Smoke On The Water?

Yes – every section from the first bar to the last, exactly as played on the original recording. It is not a shortened or simplified version.

Is it written as drum tabs or as drum notation?

As standard drum notation on a five-line staff. Tabs can show which drum to hit but not the exact rhythm – notation shows both.

How do I get the PDF after I buy?

The download link appears straight after checkout and is also sent to your email. You can print the PDF or read it on a tablet.

Is Smoke On The Water good for beginners?

Yes – it is one of the best first rock songs to learn.

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