Adele – Chasing Pavements

Chasing Pavements drum sheet music – a note-for-note accurate transcription of Pete Biggins’ drum part on Adele’s “Chasing Pavements”, from the album 19 (2008). The whole song is written out exactly as recorded, in a clean, print-ready PDF that is easy to read.

About Chasing Pavements drum sheet music

“Chasing Pavements” was the second single from Adele’s debut album 19. It reached the UK top 3 and won her the Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, and it is still one of the most requested Adele songs at weddings, functions and gigs.

The drum part is a lesson in playing for the singer. It sits in a soulful pop-ballad groove with tasteful dynamics, a warm backbeat and clean, supportive fills that lift the choruses without ever covering the vocal. Getting it right is about touch and consistency: an even hi-hat, a relaxed backbeat and fills that start and finish exactly in time.

A drum transcription taken from the original recording

This Chasing Pavements drum transcription was written bar by bar from Adele’s studio recording and checked against the track. It is not a live take and nothing is simplified – these are the Chasing Pavements 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: Adele
• Album: 19 (2008)
• Drummer: Pete Biggins
• Style: soul-pop ballad

What you get

When you buy Chasing Pavements 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 Chasing Pavements on drums

A step-by-step way to learn Chasing Pavements on drums with the sheet music:

1. Listen with the sheet music. Follow the song and notice how the drums change from verse to chorus.
2. Lock in the groove first. Play the main beat with a metronome until the hi-hat and backbeat feel even and relaxed.
3. Work on dynamics. Keep the verses soft and let the choruses open up – this is where the song gets its emotion.
4. Practise the fills slowly. Loop each fill with a bar of groove before and after it so the transitions are smooth.
5. Play along with the record. Listen to Adele’s phrasing and keep the groove steady underneath it.
6. Record and listen back. Check that your volume and time stay consistent through the quieter sections.

Why note-for-note sheet music?

Most free Chasing Pavements 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?

This sheet music suits beginner-to-intermediate drummers who want to learn a real pop-ballad groove, and pop, function and session drummers who need to play Adele songs exactly like the record. Teachers will find it a great song for teaching feel and dynamics.

About Adele

Adele Adkins released 19 in 2008 and became one of the best-selling artists of her generation with 21, 25 and 30. Her songs are built around her voice, and the drum parts on her records are always tasteful and supportive – perfect material for drummers learning to serve the song.

More Adele drum sheet music

Want more than one song? The Adele Ultimate Drum Collection includes Chasing Pavements together with other songs, at a lower price than buying them one by one. You can also get other Adele songs one by one: Set Fire To The Rain, I’ll Be Waiting, Rumour Has It and Skyfall. See them all on the Adele drum sheet music page.

Frequently asked questions

Does the sheet music cover the whole of Chasing Pavements?

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 Chasing Pavements good for beginner drummers?

Yes, for beginners who can already play a steady groove. The tempo is comfortable, and the main challenges are dynamics and clean fills.

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