Dio – Holy Diver

Holy Diver drum sheet music – a note-for-note accurate transcription of Vinny Appice's drum part on Dio's “Holy Diver”, from the album Holy Diver (1983). Every groove and fill is written out exactly as recorded, in a clean, print-ready PDF.

About Holy Diver drum sheet music

“Holy Diver” is the title track of Dio’s 1983 debut album, Ronnie James Dio’s first record after leaving Black Sabbath. It is one of the most famous heavy-metal songs of the ’80s.

Vinny Appice plays a powerful, driving groove at around 92 bpm, with big fills that match the song’s epic feel. Essential for fans of ’80s metal and a great song for learning to play heavy and steady.

A drum transcription taken from the original recording

This Holy Diver drum transcription was written bar by bar from Dio's studio recording and checked against the track. It is not a live take and nothing is simplified – these are the Holy Diver 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: Dio
• Album: Holy Diver (1983)
• Drummer: Vinny Appice
• Tempo: ♩ ≈ 92
• Style: heavy metal

What you get

When you buy Holy Diver 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 Holy Diver on drums

A step-by-step way to learn Holy Diver on drums with the sheet music:

1. Listen with the sheet music. Follow the intro and main groove.
2. Lock in at ♩ ≈ 92. Play the groove with a metronome.
3. Play heavy. Keep the backbeat strong and the time steady.
4. Learn the fills. Slowly first, then in context.
5. Play with the record. Lock in with the riff.
6. Record yourself. Check the groove stays heavy and even.

Why note-for-note sheet music?

Most free Holy Diver 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?

Holy Diver drum sheet music suits beginner-to-intermediate metal drummers and ’80s metal cover bands.

About Vinny Appice

Vinny Appice played with Black Sabbath and Dio, recording Mob Rules with Sabbath and Holy Diver, The Last in Line and Sacred Heart with Dio.

More Dio drum sheet music

This is currently the only Dio song in the store – the Dio drum sheet music page will list new ones as they are added. In the meantime, browse the full drum sheet music store – for more classic metal, see the Black Sabbath, Judas Priest and Metallica sheet music.

Frequently asked questions

Does the sheet music cover the whole of Holy Diver?

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 Holy Diver good for beginner drummers?

Yes, for beginners who can hold a steady groove. The tempo is moderate and the fills are fun.

Can’t find the song you need?

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