Judas Priest – Breaking The Law

Breaking The Law drum sheet music – a note-for-note accurate transcription of Dave Holland's drum part on Judas Priest's “Breaking The Law”, from the album British Steel (1980). Every groove and fill is written out exactly as recorded, in a clean, print-ready PDF.

About Breaking The Law drum sheet music

“Breaking The Law” is from British Steel, the 1980 album that made Judas Priest one of the biggest names in heavy metal. Short, catchy and powerful, it is one of the most famous metal anthems ever recorded.

Dave Holland’s part is a fast, straight-ahead heavy-metal groove – driving and no-nonsense. At around 164 bpm it is great for building speed, stamina and a solid rock feel, while keeping the groove tight and the fills clean.

A drum transcription taken from the original recording

This Breaking The Law drum transcription was written bar by bar from Judas Priest's studio recording and checked against the track. It is not a live take and nothing is simplified – these are the Breaking The Law 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: Judas Priest
• Album: British Steel (1980)
• Drummer: Dave Holland
• Tempo: ♩ ≈ 164
• Style: heavy metal

What you get

When you buy Breaking The Law 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 Breaking The Law on drums

A step-by-step way to learn Breaking The Law on drums with the sheet music:

1. Listen with the sheet music. Follow the riff and the drum groove.
2. Practise below tempo. Start around 130 bpm with a metronome.
3. Keep the groove steady. Straight-ahead metal needs rock-solid time.
4. Build stamina. Play the full song without stopping.
5. Bring it up to ♩ ≈ 164. Increase the tempo gradually.
6. Play with the record and record yourself. Check nothing rushes.

Why note-for-note sheet music?

Most free Breaking The Law 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?

Breaking The Law drum sheet music suits beginner-to-intermediate drummers who want a classic metal groove, and metal and classic-rock cover bands.

About Dave Holland

Dave Holland was Judas Priest’s drummer from 1979 to 1989, playing on British Steel, Screaming for Vengeance and Defenders of the Faith. His straight, powerful style suited the band’s anthems perfectly.

More Judas Priest drum sheet music

This is currently the only Judas Priest song in the store – the Judas Priest drum sheet music page will list new ones as they are added. In the meantime, browse the full drum sheet music store – for more classic metal, try the Black Sabbath, Metallica and Motörhead sheet music in the store.

Frequently asked questions

Does the sheet music cover the whole of Breaking The Law?

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 Breaking The Law good for beginner drummers?

Yes, for beginners who can play a steady rock beat. It is fast, but the groove is straightforward.

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