James Brown – Cold Sweat

Cold Sweat drum sheet music – a note-for-note accurate transcription of Clyde Stubblefield’s drum part on James Brown’s “Cold Sweat” (1967). Every ghost note and syncopated kick is written out in a clean, print-ready PDF.

About Cold Sweat drum sheet music

“Cold Sweat” is often called one of the first true funk records. Released by James Brown in 1967, it put the emphasis on the “one” and on interlocking rhythms, changing popular music for ever.

Clyde Stubblefield’s groove is legendary – syncopated, full of ghost notes and perfectly in the pocket at around 120 bpm. Essential study material for every funk drummer.

A drum transcription taken from the original recording

Every bar of this Cold Sweat 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 Cold Sweat 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: James Brown
• Released: 1967
• Drummer: Clyde Stubblefield
• Tempo: ♩ ≈ 120
• Style: funk

What you get

Your Cold Sweat 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 Cold Sweat on drums

Here is a practice plan that works well for Cold Sweat:

1. Listen with the sheet music. Feel where the “one” is.
2. Practise slowly. Get the syncopation clean.
3. Work on ghost notes. Keep them soft.
4. Lock in the kick pattern. Play it alone first.
5. Play with the record. Feel the pocket.
6. Record yourself. Compare your feel with Stubblefield’s.

Why note-for-note sheet music?

Learning Cold Sweat 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?

Cold Sweat drum sheet music suits intermediate drummers and anyone serious about funk.

About Clyde Stubblefield

Clyde Stubblefield was one of James Brown’s main drummers in the late 1960s. His break on “Funky Drummer” became one of the most sampled drum parts in history.

More James Brown drum sheet music

Want more than one song? The Funk & Groove Drum Sheet Music Collection includes Cold Sweat together with other songs, at a lower price than buying them one by one. This is currently the only James Brown song in the store – the James Brown drum sheet music page will list new ones as they are added. In the meantime, browse the full drum sheet music store – for more funk, see “You Got To Funkifize” by Tower Of Power and the Silk Sonic sheet music.

Frequently asked questions

Is it the complete Cold Sweat drum part?

Yes. The whole song is transcribed note-for-note from the record, including every fill.

Is Cold Sweat 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.

What tempo is Cold Sweat?

Around ♩ ≈ 120.

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