Dire Straits – Sultans Of Swing

Sultans Of Swing drum sheet music – a note-for-note accurate transcription of Pick Withers' drum part on Dire Straits' “Sultans Of Swing”, from the album Dire Straits (1978). Every groove and fill is written out exactly as recorded, in a clean, print-ready PDF.

About Sultans Of Swing drum sheet music

“Sultans Of Swing” was Dire Straits’ first hit, from their 1978 debut album. Mark Knopfler’s guitar playing made the band famous, and the song is still one of the most loved rock tracks of its era.

Pick Withers plays a light, swinging rock groove with a relaxed, precise feel. It is great for developing a clean, controlled touch – keeping the groove light and steady while the guitar takes centre stage.

A drum transcription taken from the original recording

Every bar of this Sultans Of Swing drum transcription comes from the original recording. Instead of an approximate groove with a couple of fills, you get the whole drum part – so if you need Sultans Of Swing drum notes that sound like the record when you play them, this is the version to use.

The sheet music is professionally engraved and easy to read on a music stand or on a tablet. Each part of the song is clearly labelled, and repeats with first- and second-time endings keep the layout compact, so you spend less time turning pages and more time playing.

Song facts

• Artist: Dire Straits
• Album: Dire Straits (1978)
• Drummer: Pick Withers
• Style: rock

What you get

Your Sultans Of Swing drum sheet music download includes:

• 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 Sultans Of Swing on drums

Here is a practice plan that works well for Sultans Of Swing:

1. Listen with the sheet music. Notice how light and controlled the groove is.
2. Practise the groove. Keep it even with a metronome.
3. Work on your touch. Play softly and cleanly.
4. Learn the fills. Slowly first, then in context.
5. Play with the record. Support Knopfler’s guitar.
6. Record yourself. Check your groove stays light and steady.

Why note-for-note sheet music?

Learning Sultans Of Swing by ear or from a free tab usually means guessing the details – which fill goes where, what the hi-hat is doing, how a section ends. Accurate sheet music takes the guesswork out: the rhythms are exact, the song structure is clear, and you can focus on playing instead of decoding.

Who is this sheet music for?

Sultans Of Swing drum sheet music suits beginner-to-intermediate drummers and classic-rock cover bands.

About Pick Withers

Pick Withers was Dire Straits’ first drummer and played on their first four albums, including Dire Straits, Communiqué and Love over Gold. His jazz-influenced touch suited the band’s sound perfectly.

More Dire Straits drum sheet music

This is currently the only Dire Straits song in the store – the Dire Straits drum sheet music page will list new ones as they are added. In the meantime, browse the full drum sheet music store – classic-rock fans may also like the Pink Floyd, Queen and Led Zeppelin sheet music.

Frequently asked questions

Is it the complete Sultans Of Swing drum part?

Yes. The whole song is transcribed note-for-note from the record, including every fill, as heard on Dire Straits.

Is Sultans Of Swing drum sheet music a tab or real notation?

It is real drum notation on a five-line staff, the standard way drum parts are written. If you are used to tabs, it is worth the switch – notation shows the rhythm exactly, which tabs can’t.

How is the sheet music delivered?

As a PDF download. The link shows up as soon as you complete checkout and is emailed to you as well.

Is Sultans Of Swing hard on drums?

It is not fast, but it needs a light, controlled touch and steady time.

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