Avenged Sevenfold – So Far Away

So Far Away drum sheet music – a note-for-note accurate transcription of Mike Portnoy's drum part on Avenged Sevenfold's “So Far Away”, from the album Nightmare (2010). From the gentle opening to the big finish, every bar is written out in a clean, print-ready PDF.

About So Far Away drum sheet music

“So Far Away” is a heartfelt tribute from Nightmare, Avenged Sevenfold’s 2010 album, written after the death of their drummer Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan. Mike Portnoy, formerly of Dream Theater, recorded the drums for the album.

The drum part follows the song’s emotion, building from a gentle groove into a big, powerful finish. It is great for practising dynamics in a rock ballad: holding back in the early sections, building steadily and playing the final choruses with weight and feeling.

A drum transcription taken from the original recording

This So Far Away drum transcription was written bar by bar from Avenged Sevenfold's studio recording and checked against the track. It is not a live take and nothing is simplified – these are the So Far Away 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: Avenged Sevenfold
• Album: Nightmare (2010)
• Drummer: Mike Portnoy
• Style: rock power ballad

What you get

When you buy So Far Away 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 So Far Away on drums

A step-by-step way to learn So Far Away on drums with the sheet music:

1. Listen with the sheet music. Follow how the song builds from start to finish.
2. Practise the gentle groove. Keep it soft and steady with a metronome.
3. Plan your dynamics. Mark each step up in intensity.
4. Learn the fills. Practise them slowly, then in context.
5. Play with the record. Follow the vocal and guitar melody.
6. Record yourself. Check the build is gradual and the tempo steady.

Why note-for-note sheet music?

Most free So Far Away 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?

So Far Away drum sheet music suits intermediate drummers who want to work on dynamics in a ballad, and Avenged Sevenfold fans and cover bands.

About Mike Portnoy

Mike Portnoy co-founded Dream Theater and is one of the most famous progressive rock and metal drummers. He played on Avenged Sevenfold’s Nightmare in 2010 and has worked with bands such as Transatlantic, Liquid Tension Experiment and The Winery Dogs.

More Avenged Sevenfold drum sheet music

Other Avenged Sevenfold songs in the store: Nightmare and Shepherd of Fire. See them all on the Avenged Sevenfold drum sheet music page.

Frequently asked questions

Does the sheet music cover the whole of So Far Away?

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.

Who played drums on So Far Away?

Mike Portnoy recorded the drums for Nightmare, following the parts and style of The Rev.

Can’t find the song you need?

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