Adele – I’ll Be Waiting

I'll Be Waiting drum sheet music – a note-for-note accurate transcription of Leo Taylor's drum part on Adele's “I'll Be Waiting”, from the album 21 (2011). Every groove and fill is written out exactly as recorded, in a clean, print-ready PDF.

About I'll Be Waiting drum sheet music

“I’ll Be Waiting” is one of the most upbeat songs on 21, Adele’s record-breaking second album. With its piano, horns and gospel-style energy, it is a favourite for bands and function sets that want to lift the mood.

The drum part has a warm, live feel: a soulful pop groove with a strong backbeat and energetic fills that push the band forward. It is a great song for learning to play with groove and energy at the same time – keeping the pocket deep while the song builds.

A drum transcription taken from the original recording

The I'll Be Waiting 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 I'll Be Waiting 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: Adele
• Album: 21 (2011)
• Drummer: Leo Taylor
• Style: soul-pop

What you get

Here is what is included with I'll Be Waiting 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 I'll Be Waiting on drums

Once you have the I'll Be Waiting drum sheet music, here is a simple way to learn it:

1. Listen with the sheet music. Follow the song and notice where the fills push into each section.
2. Lock in the groove. Practise the main beat with a metronome until it feels relaxed.
3. Keep the backbeat strong. The song needs a confident, warm snare.
4. Practise the fills slowly. Then play them in context with a bar of groove before and after.
5. Play with the record. Listen to the piano and horns and lock in with the band.
6. Record yourself. Check your energy doesn’t make the tempo rush.

Why note-for-note sheet music?

Free versions of I'll Be Waiting 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?

This sheet music suits beginner-to-intermediate drummers who want an upbeat soul-pop groove, and pop, function and wedding-band drummers who need Adele songs exactly like the record.

About Adele

Adele’s second album 21 (2011) became one of the best-selling albums of the century, with hits such as “Rolling in the Deep”, “Someone Like You” and “Set Fire to the Rain”. Its live, soulful sound makes it great material for drummers.

More Adele drum sheet music

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

Frequently asked questions

Is this I'll Be Waiting drum sheet music the full song?

Yes. It is the full song, transcribed note-for-note from the original recording on 21. Nothing is simplified.

Are these I'll Be Waiting 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 I’ll Be Waiting a good song for function bands?

Yes – it is upbeat, well known and fun to play, and the soulful groove works well in function and wedding sets.

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