Motorhead – Ace Of Spades

Ace Of Spades drum sheet music – a note-for-note transcription of Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor’s drum part on Motörhead’s “Ace Of Spades”, from the album Ace Of Spades (1980). Every groove, fill and cymbal hit is written out from the original recording in a clean, print-ready PDF.

About the drum part

“Ace Of Spades” is Motörhead’s most famous song and a landmark of fast, raw rock and roll. Phil Taylor’s drumming is relentless: loose, loud and driving from start to finish.

After two bars of rest the drums come in with two bars of sixteenth notes on the snare that grow with a crescendo – the song’s famous build-up. The chart then marks the hi-hat “loose throughout the song”. The main groove is an eighth-note hi-hat beat with the snare on 2 and 4 and quick pairs of sixteenth notes on a single bass drum. Crash, “no crash” and china markings show the cymbal changes, and there are sixteenth-note and sextuplet snare fills.

What’s in the Ace Of Spades drum sheet music

This Ace Of Spades drum sheet music labels every section and marks all the cymbal changes, including where the china comes in. Repeat bars keep the chart short and easy to follow at speed.

Looking for Ace Of Spades drum tabs? This is full drum notation on a five-line staff, so it shows the exact rhythm of every note – something tabs can’t do.

Song facts

• Artist: Motörhead
• Album: Ace Of Spades (1980)
• Drummer: Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor
• Tempo: ♩ ≈ 140
• Time signature: 4/4
• Style: Speed rock / heavy metal
• Level: Intermediate

What 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 Ace Of Spades on drums

Once you have the Ace Of Spades drum sheet music, here is a good way to learn it:

1. Practise the snare build. Keep the sixteenth notes even while you get louder.
2. Work on the bass drum doubles. The quick pairs are played with one foot. Practise them slowly and relaxed.
3. Keep the hi-hat loose. A slightly open hi-hat gives the song its trashy sound.
4. Build stamina. Play the main groove for a full minute at a time without slowing down.

Reading tips for this chart

• Repeat bars (the slash signs) mean “play the previous bar or bars again”. The small numbers above them count the bars so you do not lose your place.
• Section labels in boxes (such as I, V1, C1) name each part of the song – intro, verse, chorus and so on – so you can find your place quickly.

Who is it for?

This Ace Of Spades drum sheet music is for intermediate drummers and rock and metal fans who want to improve speed, endurance and single-pedal bass drum control.

More Motörhead drum sheet music

Browse the Motörhead drum sheet music page, or order a custom drum transcription of another song.

Frequently asked questions

Is this Ace Of Spades drum sheet music the full song?

Yes. It is the complete drum part, transcribed note-for-note from the original recording on Ace Of Spades. Nothing is simplified.

Is it a drum tab or real notation?

It is real drum notation, the standard way drum parts are written. If you are used to tabs, it is worth the switch – notation shows rhythm exactly, which tabs can’t.

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.

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