Guns N’ Roses – Sweet Child O’ Mine

Sweet Child O' Mine drum sheet music – a note-for-note accurate transcription of Steven Adler's drum part on Guns N' Roses' “Sweet Child O' Mine”, from the album Appetite For Destruction (1987). Every groove and fill is written out exactly as recorded, in a clean, print-ready PDF.

About Sweet Child O' Mine drum sheet music

“Sweet Child O’ Mine” was Guns N’ Roses’ only US number one single and is one of the most famous rock songs ever, with Slash’s iconic guitar intro.

Steven Adler plays a driving, energetic groove with a loose, swinging feel. A must-learn for rock and cover-band drummers.

A drum transcription taken from the original recording

The Sweet Child O' Mine drum transcription on this page is written from the original studio recording – not from a live version and not from a simplified arrangement. If you have been searching for Sweet Child O' Mine drum notes that actually match the record, this is the complete part, from the first bar to the last.

Song sections are clearly labelled, so you always know where you are, and the layout follows the song from start to finish. The PDF is professionally engraved, prints cleanly and reads just as well on an iPad or any other tablet.

Song facts

• Artist: Guns N' Roses
• Album: Appetite For Destruction (1987)
• Drummer: Steven Adler
• Style: hard rock

What you get

Here is what is included with Sweet Child O' Mine drum sheet music:

• 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 Sweet Child O' Mine on drums

Once you have the Sweet Child O' Mine drum sheet music, here is a simple way to learn it:

1. Listen with the sheet music. Count the intro.
2. Practise the groove. Keep it driving with a metronome.
3. Feel the swing. Adler’s groove is loose and relaxed.
4. Learn the fills and the outro. Slowly first, then in context.
5. Play with the record. Lock in with the guitars.
6. Record yourself. Check your time.

Why note-for-note sheet music?

Free versions of Sweet Child O' Mine drum notes online are often tabs typed out by ear, with missing fills and rhythms that don’t match the record. A proper transcription saves you hours of guessing: every part is checked against the original recording, the rhythms are exact, and the layout follows the song so you always know where you are.

Who is this sheet music for?

Sweet Child O’ Mine drum sheet music suits beginner-to-intermediate drummers and every rock cover band.

About Steven Adler

Steven Adler was Guns N’ Roses’ original drummer and played on Appetite For Destruction.

More Guns N' Roses drum sheet music

Other Guns N' Roses songs in the store: Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door, Paradise City, Welcome To The Jungle and Don’t Cry. See them all on the Guns N' Roses drum sheet music page.

Frequently asked questions

Is this Sweet Child O' Mine drum sheet music the full song?

Yes. It is the full song, transcribed note-for-note from the original recording on Appetite For Destruction. Nothing is simplified.

Are these Sweet Child O' Mine drum tabs?

No – it is proper drum notation, which is more precise than tabs because it shows exactly when every note falls. If you are new to reading, it is easier than it looks – each drum and cymbal has its own place on the staff.

When do I get the PDF?

Straight away – the download link appears right after checkout and arrives in your inbox, so you can print it or open it on a tablet.

Is Sweet Child O’ Mine good for cover bands?

Yes – it is one of the most requested rock songs.

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