Metallica – Nothing Else Matters

Nothing Else Matters drum sheet music – a note-for-note accurate transcription of Lars Ulrich's drum part on Metallica's “Nothing Else Matters”, from the album Metallica (1991). Every groove and fill is written out exactly as recorded, in a clean, print-ready PDF.

About Nothing Else Matters drum sheet music

“Nothing Else Matters” is the most famous ballad from Metallica’s “Black Album”. Written by James Hetfield, it became one of the band’s biggest hits and has been covered by artists from many genres.

Lars Ulrich plays a slow, emotional groove with lots of space and power. The drums enter after the guitar intro and build with the song, so it is great for practising control, feel and dynamics.

A drum transcription taken from the original recording

Every bar of this Nothing Else Matters 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 Nothing Else Matters 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: Metallica
• Album: Metallica (1991)
• Drummer: Lars Ulrich
• Style: metal ballad

What you get

Your Nothing Else Matters 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 Nothing Else Matters on drums

Here is a practice plan that works well for Nothing Else Matters:

1. Listen with the sheet music. Count the intro until the drums enter.
2. Practise the slow groove. Subdivide to keep steady time.
3. Play with control. Keep the verses spacious.
4. Build with the song. Make the heavy sections full but steady.
5. Play with the record. Follow the guitar and vocal.
6. Record yourself. Check the time at the slow tempo.

Why note-for-note sheet music?

Learning Nothing Else Matters 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?

Nothing Else Matters drum sheet music suits beginner-to-intermediate drummers, Metallica fans and cover bands.

About Lars Ulrich

Lars Ulrich co-founded Metallica with James Hetfield in 1981 and has played on every Metallica album.

More Metallica drum sheet music

Other Metallica songs in the store: Ride The Lightning, Master Of Puppets, The Unforgiven and Enter Sandman. See them all on the Metallica drum sheet music page.

Frequently asked questions

Is it the complete Nothing Else Matters drum part?

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

Is Nothing Else Matters 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 Nothing Else Matters good for beginner drummers?

Yes – it is slow and clear, but still needs good time and dynamics.

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