Metallica – The Unforgiven

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

About The Unforgiven drum sheet music

“The Unforgiven” is from Metallica’s 1991 self-titled album, known as the “Black Album” – the best-selling album of their career. The song reverses the usual ballad formula, with quiet choruses and heavy verses.

Lars Ulrich plays a heavy, mid-tempo groove that moves between restrained and powerful sections. It is a great study in dynamics and in playing heavy at a moderate tempo.

A drum transcription taken from the original recording

This The Unforgiven drum transcription was written bar by bar from Metallica's studio recording and checked against the track. It is not a live take and nothing is simplified – these are the The Unforgiven 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: Metallica
• Album: Metallica (1991)
• Drummer: Lars Ulrich
• Style: heavy metal ballad

What you get

When you buy The Unforgiven 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 The Unforgiven on drums

A step-by-step way to learn The Unforgiven on drums with the sheet music:

1. Listen with the sheet music. Mark the quiet and heavy sections.
2. Practise the heavy groove. Keep it steady with a metronome.
3. Control the quiet parts. Play softly and evenly.
4. Learn the fills. Slowly first, then in context.
5. Play with the record. Lock in with the guitars.
6. Record yourself. Check your dynamics.

Why note-for-note sheet music?

Most free The Unforgiven 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?

The Unforgiven drum sheet music suits intermediate drummers and Metallica fans and tribute bands.

About Lars Ulrich

Lars Ulrich co-founded Metallica in 1981. His drumming drives classics from Ride the Lightning and Master of Puppets to the “Black Album”.

More Metallica drum sheet music

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

Frequently asked questions

Does the sheet music cover the whole of The Unforgiven?

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 The Unforgiven hard on drums?

It is an intermediate song – not fast, but it needs good dynamics.

Can’t find the song you need?

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