Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit

Smells Like Teen Spirit drum sheet music – a note-for-note accurate transcription of Dave Grohl's drum part on Nirvana's “Smells Like Teen Spirit”, from the album Nevermind (1991). Every bar of Dave Grohl’s iconic part is written out in a clean, print-ready PDF.

About Smells Like Teen Spirit drum sheet music

“Smells Like Teen Spirit” opens Nevermind and became the anthem of a generation. It took grunge into the mainstream and helped push Nevermind to number one in the US in early 1992.

Dave Grohl’s drumming is powerful and iconic, from the famous opening fill to the explosive choruses. It is a must-learn for every rock drummer – simple enough to start early, and powerful enough to master for years.

A drum transcription taken from the original recording

Every bar of this Smells Like Teen Spirit drum transcription comes from the original recording. Instead of an approximate groove with a couple of fills, you get the whole drum part – so if you need Smells Like Teen Spirit drum notes that sound like the record when you play them, this is the version to use.

The sheet music is professionally engraved and easy to read on a music stand or on a tablet. Each part of the song is clearly labelled, and repeats with first- and second-time endings keep the layout compact, so you spend less time turning pages and more time playing.

Song facts

• Artist: Nirvana
• Album: Nevermind (1991)
• Drummer: Dave Grohl
• Style: grunge

What you get

Your Smells Like Teen Spirit drum sheet music download includes:

• 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 Smells Like Teen Spirit on drums

Here is a practice plan that works well for Smells Like Teen Spirit:

1. Listen with the sheet music. Learn the famous intro fill first.
2. Practise the verse and chorus grooves. Notice the contrast.
3. Play the choruses big. Full power, steady time.
4. Learn the fills. Slowly first, then in context.
5. Play with the record. Lock in with the riff.
6. Record yourself. Check your power and time.

Why note-for-note sheet music?

Learning Smells Like Teen Spirit by ear or from a free tab usually means guessing the details – which fill goes where, what the hi-hat is doing, how a section ends. Accurate sheet music takes the guesswork out: the rhythms are exact, the song structure is clear, and you can focus on playing instead of decoding.

Who is this sheet music for?

Smells Like Teen Spirit drum sheet music suits beginner-to-intermediate drummers, Nirvana fans and cover bands.

About Dave Grohl

Dave Grohl joined Nirvana in 1990 and played on Nevermind and In Utero. He later founded Foo Fighters and has also drummed for Queens Of The Stone Age and Them Crooked Vultures.

More Nirvana drum sheet music

Want more than one song? The Grunge & 90s Alternative Drum Sheet Music Collection includes Smells Like Teen Spirit 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, In Bloom and Lithium. See them all on the Nirvana drum sheet music page.

Frequently asked questions

Is it the complete Smells Like Teen Spirit drum part?

Yes. The whole song is transcribed note-for-note from the record, including every fill, as heard on Nevermind.

Is Smells Like Teen Spirit drum sheet music a tab or real notation?

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

How is the sheet music delivered?

As a PDF download. The link shows up as soon as you complete checkout and is emailed to you as well.

Is Smells Like Teen Spirit good for beginners?

Yes – it is one of the best-known rock songs and a great one to learn early, although the energy takes stamina.

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