Elton John – Rocket Man

Rocket Man drum sheet music – a note-for-note accurate transcription of Nigel Olsson's drum part on Elton John's “Rocket Man”, from the album Honky Château (1972). Every groove and fill is written out exactly as recorded, in a clean, print-ready PDF.

About Rocket Man drum sheet music

“Rocket Man (I Think It’s Going to Be a Long, Long Time)” is one of Elton John’s signature songs. Written with lyricist Bernie Taupin and released on Honky Château in 1972, it was a top-10 hit in both the UK and the US and is still one of his most loved songs.

The drum part is a classic laid-back ballad groove. Nigel Olsson plays with a relaxed feel, a warm backbeat and tasteful, melodic fills that never get in the way of the song. At around 67 bpm, it is ideal for developing time, touch and space – the kind of playing that makes a slow song feel great.

A drum transcription taken from the original recording

This Rocket Man drum transcription was written bar by bar from Elton John's studio recording and checked against the track. It is not a live take and nothing is simplified – these are the Rocket Man 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: Elton John
• Album: Honky Château (1972)
• Drummer: Nigel Olsson
• Tempo: ♩ ≈ 67
• Style: soft rock ballad

What you get

When you buy Rocket Man 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 Rocket Man on drums

A step-by-step way to learn Rocket Man on drums with the sheet music:

1. Listen with the sheet music. Notice how simple and spacious the part is – and how well it works.
2. Count the slow tempo. At ♩ ≈ 67, subdivide in your head so the groove doesn’t rush or drag.
3. Work on your touch. Keep the backbeat warm and even, and the cymbals smooth.
4. Learn the fills slowly. Olsson’s fills are melodic – play them evenly around the toms.
5. Play with the record. Lock in with Elton’s piano, which drives the song.
6. Record yourself. Slow songs reveal small timing problems – listen back and adjust.

Why note-for-note sheet music?

Most free Rocket Man 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?

Rocket Man drum sheet music is a great choice for beginner-to-intermediate drummers learning to play ballads, and for function and cover bands playing Elton John classics. Teachers will find it ideal for teaching time and feel at a slow tempo.

About Nigel Olsson

Nigel Olsson has been Elton John’s drummer on and off since 1969, playing on classic albums such as Honky Château, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy. He is known for his big, warm sound and his harmony vocals.

More Elton John drum sheet music

This is currently the only Elton John song in the store – the Elton John drum sheet music page will list new ones as they are added. In the meantime, browse the full drum sheet music store – try other classic ballads such as David Bowie’s “Life On Mars”.

Frequently asked questions

Does the sheet music cover the whole of Rocket Man?

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 Rocket Man easy to play on drums?

It is one of the more approachable classic ballads. The groove is simple, but the slow tempo means steady time and a good feel are important.

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