Metallica – Sad But True

Sad But True drum sheet music – a note-for-note accurate transcription of Lars Ulrich's drum part on Metallica's “Sad But True”, from the album Metallica (1991). Every groove and fill is written out exactly as recorded, in a clean, print-ready PDF.

About Sad But True drum sheet music

“Sad But True” is one of the heaviest songs on Metallica’s “Black Album”. Its slow, crushing riff became a model for heavy music in the ’90s.

Lars Ulrich plays a crushing, mid-tempo groove with massive power and weight. A must-learn for heavy-metal drummers – and a lesson in how slow and heavy can hit harder than fast.

A drum transcription taken from the original recording

The Sad But True drum transcription on this page is written from the original studio recording – not from a live version and not from a simplified arrangement. If you have been searching for Sad But True drum notes that actually match the record, this is the complete part, from the first bar to the last.

Song sections are clearly labelled, so you always know where you are, and the layout follows the song from start to finish. The PDF is professionally engraved, prints cleanly and reads just as well on an iPad or any other tablet.

Song facts

• Artist: Metallica
• Album: Metallica (1991)
• Drummer: Lars Ulrich
• Style: heavy metal

What you get

Here is what is included with Sad But True drum sheet music:

• 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 Sad But True on drums

Once you have the Sad But True drum sheet music, here is a simple way to learn it:

1. Listen with the sheet music. Feel the weight of the groove.
2. Practise with a metronome. Keep the slow groove steady.
3. Play heavy. Full, confident strokes.
4. Lock in with the riff. Play the accents together.
5. Play with the record. Feel the power.
6. Record yourself. Check your time.

Why note-for-note sheet music?

Free versions of Sad But True drum notes online are often tabs typed out by ear, with missing fills and rhythms that don’t match the record. A proper transcription saves you hours of guessing: every part is checked against the original recording, the rhythms are exact, and the layout follows the song so you always know where you are.

Who is this sheet music for?

Sad But True drum sheet music suits beginner-to-intermediate metal drummers and Metallica fans.

About Lars Ulrich

Lars Ulrich co-founded Metallica in 1981 and has played on all their albums.

More Metallica drum sheet music

Other Metallica songs in the store: Ride The Lightning, Master Of Puppets, Nothing Else Matters and The Unforgiven. See them all on the Metallica drum sheet music page.

Frequently asked questions

Is this Sad But True drum sheet music the full song?

Yes. It is the full song, transcribed note-for-note from the original recording on Metallica. Nothing is simplified.

Are these Sad But True drum tabs?

No – it is proper drum notation, which is more precise than tabs because it shows exactly when every note falls. If you are new to reading, it is easier than it looks – each drum and cymbal has its own place on the staff.

When do I get the PDF?

Straight away – the download link appears right after checkout and arrives in your inbox, so you can print it or open it on a tablet.

Is Sad But True good for beginner drummers?

Yes – it is slow and heavy with clear patterns.

Can’t find the song you need?

Order a custom drum transcription of any song on YouTube.

Listen to the song on YouTube · Got any questions? Get in touch