John Lennon – Imagine

Imagine drum sheet music – a note-for-note accurate transcription of Alan White's drum part on John Lennon's “Imagine”, from the album Imagine (1971). Every bar is written out exactly as recorded, in a clean, print-ready PDF.

About Imagine drum sheet music

“Imagine” is the title track of John Lennon’s 1971 album and one of the most famous songs ever written. Its message of peace has made it an anthem around the world.

Alan White plays a gentle, simple groove that supports the piano and vocal. Ideal for beginners and for practising touch and restraint.

A drum transcription taken from the original recording

This Imagine drum transcription was written bar by bar from John Lennon's studio recording and checked against the track. It is not a live take and nothing is simplified – these are the Imagine 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: John Lennon
• Album: Imagine (1971)
• Drummer: Alan White
• Style: soft rock ballad

What you get

When you buy Imagine 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 Imagine on drums

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

1. Listen with the sheet music. Notice how gentle the part is.
2. Practise softly. Use a metronome.
3. Work on your touch. Keep it warm and even.
4. Learn the fills. Gently and evenly.
5. Play with the record. Follow Lennon’s piano.
6. Record yourself. Check your dynamics.

Why note-for-note sheet music?

Most free Imagine 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?

Imagine drum sheet music suits beginners, school and function bands, and teachers.

About Alan White

Alan White played drums for John Lennon’s Plastic Ono Band and on George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass before joining Yes in 1972, where he stayed for 50 years.

More John Lennon drum sheet music

This is currently the only John Lennon song in the store – the John Lennon drum sheet music page will list new ones as they are added. In the meantime, browse the full drum sheet music store – for more classics, try The Beatles’ “Come Together”.

Frequently asked questions

Does the sheet music cover the whole of Imagine?

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 Imagine good for beginner drummers?

Yes – it is one of the best songs for practising a gentle touch.

Can’t find the song you need?

Order a custom drum transcription of any song on YouTube.

Listen to the song on YouTube · Got any questions? Get in touch