Red Hot Chili Peppers drum sheet music – note-for-note transcriptions of Chad Smith’s drum parts, including “Can’t Stop”, “Californication”, “Scar Tissue”, “Otherside”, “Under The Bridge”, “Give It Away”, “By The Way” and “Around The World”.Chad Smith is one of the great funk-rock drummers: his grooves are tight and powerful, full of ghost notes, syncopated bass drum and hi-hat detail, and they always serve the song. Every transcription is written from the original recording, from the busy funk of “Give It Away” to the laid-back feel of “Scar Tissue”. Looking for Red Hot Chili Peppers drum tabs? These are full drum notation with exact rhythms.Can’t find the song you want? Order a custom drum transcription.
About Red Hot Chili Peppers
The Red Hot Chili Peppers formed in Los Angeles in 1983. Built around singer Anthony Kiedis and bassist Flea, the band mixed funk, punk and rock, and found worldwide success with Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991), Californication (1999) and By the Way (2002).
Chad Smith has been their drummer since 1988, and the lock between his kick drum and Flea’s bass is one of the most famous rhythm partnerships in rock. The band were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012, and their songs are a favourite for drummers learning funk-rock feel.
Drumming on Red Hot Chili Peppers songs
Chad Smith combines hard-hitting rock with funk. His grooves lock tightly with Flea’s bass, and he uses ghost notes, open hi-hats and punchy fills to make even simple beats feel great. Chili Peppers songs are ideal for learning pocket, funk-rock feel and how to switch cleanly between verse and chorus grooves.
Red Hot Chili Peppers drum sheet music in the store
All 8 Red Hot Chili Peppers songs in the store are transcribed note-for-note from the original recordings:
- Red Hot Chili Peppers – Otherside – from Californication (1999), drums: Chad Smith, alternative rock, ♩ ≈ 120
- Red Hot Chili Peppers – Around The World – from Californication (1999), drums: Chad Smith, funk rock, ♩ ≈ 95
- Red Hot Chili Peppers – Give It Away – from Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991), drums: Chad Smith, funk rock
- Red Hot Chili Peppers – Under The Bridge – from Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991), drums: Chad Smith, alternative rock ballad
- Red Hot Chili Peppers – By The Way – from By The Way (2002), drums: Chad Smith, funk rock, ♩ ≈ 120
- Red Hot Chili Peppers – Californication – from Californication (1999), drums: Chad Smith, alternative rock
- Red Hot Chili Peppers – Can’t Stop
- Red Hot Chili Peppers – Scar Tissue – from Californication (1999), drums: Chad Smith, alternative rock
Frequently asked questions about Red Hot Chili Peppers drum sheet music
Which Red Hot Chili Peppers song should I learn first on drums?
“Otherside” and “Californication” are steady, clear grooves – perfect first songs. Then try “Scar Tissue” for a relaxed swung feel, and “Give It Away” or “Around The World” for full funk-rock energy.
Is this Red Hot Chili Peppers drum sheet music or drum tabs?
It is full drum sheet music – standard drum notation on a five-line staff, transcribed note-for-note from the original recordings. Unlike drum tabs, notation shows the exact rhythm of every note, so you can play the parts exactly as they sound on the record.
Is there a discount for buying several songs?
Yes – buy any 3 songs from the store and the 4th is free. The discount is applied automatically in the cart.
Can I get a Red Hot Chili Peppers song that is not listed here?
Yes. Order a custom drum transcription of any song on YouTube and it will be transcribed note-for-note for you.