Arctic Monkeys – My Propeller

My Propeller drum sheet music – a note-for-note accurate transcription of Matt Helders' drum part on Arctic Monkeys' “My Propeller”, from the album Humbug (2009). Every groove and fill is written out exactly as recorded, in a clean, print-ready PDF.

About My Propeller drum sheet music

“My Propeller” opens Humbug, Arctic Monkeys’ third album, recorded partly in the California desert with Josh Homme of Queens Of The Stone Age. The album marked a darker, heavier turn for the band, and “My Propeller” was released as a single in 2010.

Matt Helders plays a moody, hypnotic groove with plenty of tasteful, creative touches. The part is less about speed than about feel – sitting in a slow, swaying groove, keeping it steady and adding fills that suit the song’s atmosphere. It is perfect for drummers into indie and alternative rock who want to learn to play with character.

A drum transcription taken from the original recording

This My Propeller drum transcription was written bar by bar from Arctic Monkeys' studio recording and checked against the track. It is not a live take and nothing is simplified – these are the My Propeller 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: Arctic Monkeys
• Album: Humbug (2009)
• Drummer: Matt Helders
• Style: indie / alternative rock

What you get

When you buy My Propeller 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 My Propeller on drums

A step-by-step way to learn My Propeller on drums with the sheet music:

1. Listen with the sheet music. Get the hypnotic feel of the groove in your head first.
2. Practise the main groove slowly. Use a metronome and keep the feel relaxed.
3. Notice the details. Helders’ small variations make the part – play them exactly.
4. Learn the fills. Practise them slowly, then in context.
5. Play with the record. Lock in with the bass and guitars.
6. Record yourself. Check your groove stays steady and relaxed.

Why note-for-note sheet music?

Most free My Propeller 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?

My Propeller drum sheet music suits intermediate drummers who love indie rock and want to learn Matt Helders’ style, and Arctic Monkeys cover bands who want the exact part.

About Matt Helders

Matt Helders has been the drummer of Arctic Monkeys since the band formed in Sheffield in 2002. From the fast, punky beats of Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not to the heavier grooves of Humbug and AM, he is one of the most admired rock drummers of his generation.

More Arctic Monkeys drum sheet music

This is currently the only Arctic Monkeys song in the store – the Arctic Monkeys drum sheet music page will list new ones as they are added. In the meantime, browse the full drum sheet music store – fans of Arctic Monkeys may also like the Queens Of The Stone Age, Muse and Radiohead sheet music in the store.

Frequently asked questions

Does the sheet music cover the whole of My Propeller?

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 My Propeller hard to play on drums?

It is an intermediate song. The tempo is moderate, and the challenge is getting the feel and details right.

Can’t find the song you need?

Order a custom drum transcription of any song on YouTube.

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