Green Day – 21 Guns

21 Guns drum sheet music – a note-for-note accurate transcription of Tré Cool's drum part on Green Day's “21 Guns”, from the album 21st Century Breakdown (2009). Every groove and fill is written out exactly as recorded, in a clean, print-ready PDF.

About 21 Guns drum sheet music

“21 Guns” is from 21st Century Breakdown, Green Day’s 2009 album, which won the Grammy for Best Rock Album. The song was also part of the Broadway musical American Idiot.

Tré Cool’s part is a big, anthemic rock ballad that builds into powerful choruses. Great for practising dynamics in rock.

A drum transcription taken from the original recording

Every bar of this 21 Guns drum transcription comes from the original recording. Instead of an approximate groove with a couple of fills, you get the whole drum part – so if you need 21 Guns drum notes that sound like the record when you play them, this is the version to use.

The sheet music is professionally engraved and easy to read on a music stand or on a tablet. Each part of the song is clearly labelled, and repeats with first- and second-time endings keep the layout compact, so you spend less time turning pages and more time playing.

Song facts

• Artist: Green Day
• Album: 21st Century Breakdown (2009)
• Drummer: Tré Cool
• Style: rock ballad

What you get

Your 21 Guns drum sheet music download includes:

• 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 21 Guns on drums

Here is a practice plan that works well for 21 Guns:

1. Listen with the sheet music. Follow the build.
2. Practise the verse groove. Keep it controlled.
3. Build into the choruses. Grow your dynamics.
4. Learn the fills. Slowly first, then in context.
5. Play with the record. Follow the vocal.
6. Record yourself. Check your dynamics.

Why note-for-note sheet music?

Learning 21 Guns by ear or from a free tab usually means guessing the details – which fill goes where, what the hi-hat is doing, how a section ends. Accurate sheet music takes the guesswork out: the rhythms are exact, the song structure is clear, and you can focus on playing instead of decoding.

Who is this sheet music for?

21 Guns drum sheet music suits beginner-to-intermediate drummers and Green Day fans.

About Tré Cool

Tré Cool has been Green Day’s drummer since 1990.

More Green Day drum sheet music

Other Green Day songs in the store: Boulevard Of Broken Dreams and Wake Me Up When September Ends. See them all on the Green Day drum sheet music page.

Frequently asked questions

Is it the complete 21 Guns drum part?

Yes. The whole song is transcribed note-for-note from the record, including every fill, as heard on 21st Century Breakdown.

Is 21 Guns drum sheet music a tab or real notation?

It is real drum notation on a five-line staff, the standard way drum parts are written. If you are used to tabs, it is worth the switch – notation shows the rhythm exactly, which tabs can’t.

How is the sheet music delivered?

As a PDF download. The link shows up as soon as you complete checkout and is emailed to you as well.

Is 21 Guns good for beginners?

Yes – it is a clear groove with a great lesson in dynamics.

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