Nirvana – Lithium

Lithium drum sheet music – a note-for-note accurate transcription of Dave Grohl's drum part on Nirvana's “Lithium”, from the album Nevermind (1991). Every groove and fill is written out exactly as recorded, in a clean, print-ready PDF.

About Lithium drum sheet music

“Lithium” was a single from Nevermind and one of Nirvana’s best-known songs, famous for its quiet verses and explosive choruses.

Dave Grohl’s part moves between restrained verses and explosive choruses. A great study in dynamics – and in keeping steady time when the band goes from quiet to loud.

A drum transcription taken from the original recording

This Lithium drum transcription was written bar by bar from Nirvana's studio recording and checked against the track. It is not a live take and nothing is simplified – these are the Lithium 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: Nirvana
• Album: Nevermind (1991)
• Drummer: Dave Grohl
• Style: grunge

What you get

When you buy Lithium 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 Lithium on drums

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

1. Listen with the sheet music. Mark the quiet and loud sections.
2. Practise the verses softly. Keep them steady.
3. Make the choruses explode. Full power, steady time.
4. Learn the fills. Slowly first, then in context.
5. Play with the record. Lock in with Krist Novoselic’s bass.
6. Record yourself. Check the time stays steady.

Why note-for-note sheet music?

Most free Lithium 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?

Lithium drum sheet music suits beginner-to-intermediate drummers and Nirvana fans and cover bands.

About Dave Grohl

Dave Grohl drummed for Nirvana on Nevermind and In Utero before founding Foo Fighters.

More Nirvana drum sheet music

Want more than one song? The Grunge & 90s Alternative Drum Sheet Music Collection includes Lithium together with other songs, at a lower price than buying them one by one. You can also get other Nirvana songs one by one: Come As You Are, Smells Like Teen Spirit and In Bloom. See them all on the Nirvana drum sheet music page.

Frequently asked questions

Does the sheet music cover the whole of Lithium?

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 Lithium good for beginners?

Yes – the grooves are clear, and the dynamics are a great lesson.

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