Megadeth – Symphony of Destruction

Symphony Of Destruction drum sheet music – a note-for-note accurate transcription of Nick Menza's drum part on Megadeth's “Symphony Of Destruction”, from the album Countdown To Extinction (1992). Every groove and fill is written out exactly as recorded, in a clean, print-ready PDF.

About Symphony Of Destruction drum sheet music

“Symphony Of Destruction” is from Countdown To Extinction, Megadeth’s best-selling album, which reached number two in the US. It was nominated for a Grammy.

Nick Menza plays a mid-tempo, powerful, driving groove. Great for building a solid metal feel – heavy, steady and tight with the riff.

A drum transcription taken from the original recording

This Symphony Of Destruction drum transcription was written bar by bar from Megadeth's studio recording and checked against the track. It is not a live take and nothing is simplified – these are the Symphony Of Destruction 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: Megadeth
• Album: Countdown To Extinction (1992)
• Drummer: Nick Menza
• Style: heavy metal

What you get

When you buy Symphony Of Destruction 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 Symphony Of Destruction on drums

A step-by-step way to learn Symphony Of Destruction on drums with the sheet music:

1. Listen with the sheet music. Follow the riff.
2. Practise the groove. Keep it steady with a metronome.
3. Lock in with the riff. Play the accents with the guitar.
4. Learn the fills. Slowly first, then in context.
5. Play with the record. Feel the weight of the groove.
6. Record yourself. Check your time.

Why note-for-note sheet music?

Most free Symphony Of Destruction 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?

Symphony Of Destruction drum sheet music suits beginner-to-intermediate metal drummers and Megadeth fans.

About Nick Menza

Nick Menza was Megadeth’s drummer from 1989 to 1998, playing on Rust In Peace and Countdown To Extinction.

More Megadeth drum sheet music

Other Megadeth songs in the store: Tornado Of Souls and A Tout Le Monde. See them all on the Megadeth drum sheet music page.

Frequently asked questions

Does the sheet music cover the whole of Symphony Of Destruction?

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 Symphony Of Destruction good for beginners?

Yes – it is mid-tempo with a clear groove.

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