AC/DC – Back in Black

Back In Black drum sheet music – a note-for-note accurate transcription of Phil Rudd's drum part on AC/DC's “Back In Black”, from the album Back In Black (1980). Every bar of one of rock’s greatest grooves is written out in a clean, print-ready PDF.

About Back In Black drum sheet music

“Back In Black” is the title track of AC/DC’s 1980 album – the band’s tribute to singer Bon Scott and one of the best-selling albums of all time. The riff is one of the most recognisable in rock history.

Phil Rudd’s groove is one of the greatest ever recorded: simple, solid and powerful. There are no showy fills – just a perfect hi-hat, a big backbeat and a feel that makes the whole band swing. It is perfect for beginners and a must-know for every rock and cover-band drummer.

A drum transcription taken from the original recording

Every bar of this Back In Black 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 Back In Black 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: AC/DC
• Album: Back In Black (1980)
• Drummer: Phil Rudd
• Style: hard rock

What you get

Your Back In Black 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 Back In Black on drums

Here is a practice plan that works well for Back In Black:

1. Listen with the sheet music. Notice how simple – and how strong – the groove is.
2. Lock in with a metronome. Play the beat until it feels effortless.
3. Focus on feel. Rudd’s groove sits slightly back – don’t rush.
4. Keep the hi-hat even. Every eighth note the same volume.
5. Play with the record. Lock in with Malcolm Young’s rhythm guitar.
6. Record yourself. Simple grooves show every timing problem.

Why note-for-note sheet music?

Learning Back In Black 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?

Back In Black drum sheet music suits beginners and every rock and cover-band drummer – and teachers looking for the perfect first rock song.

About Phil Rudd

Phil Rudd has been AC/DC’s drummer for most of the band’s history, playing on classics such as Highway to Hell, Back In Black and Power Up. He is famous for his rock-solid, no-frills groove.

More AC/DC drum sheet music

Want more than one song? The Beginner Rock Drum Sheet Music Starter Pack includes Back In Black together with other songs, at a lower price than buying them one by one. You can also get other AC/DC songs one by one: Thunderstruck, You Shook Me All Night Long, Highway To Hell and For Those About To Rock. See them all on the AC/DC drum sheet music page.

Frequently asked questions

Is it the complete Back In Black drum part?

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

Is Back In Black 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 Back In Black good for beginner drummers?

Yes – it is one of the best songs to start with. The groove is simple, but playing it with Phil Rudd’s feel is a lesson for every level.

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