Porcupine Tree – Shallow

Shallow drum sheet music – a note-for-note accurate transcription of Gavin Harrison's drum part on Porcupine Tree's “Shallow”, from the album Deadwing (2005). Every groove and fill is written out in a clean, print-ready PDF.

About Shallow drum sheet music

“Shallow” is from Deadwing, Porcupine Tree’s 2005 album and one of their heaviest records. It was released as a single in the US and became one of the band’s most radio-friendly songs.

Gavin Harrison’s part is a heavy, groove-driven performance with his trademark precision and creativity. Every hit is placed with care, and the grooves have subtle details that make them special – great study material for prog-rock drummers.

A drum transcription taken from the original recording

This Shallow drum transcription was written bar by bar from Porcupine Tree's studio recording and checked against the track. It is not a live take and nothing is simplified – these are the Shallow 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: Porcupine Tree
• Album: Deadwing (2005)
• Drummer: Gavin Harrison
• Style: progressive rock / metal

What you get

When you buy Shallow 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 Shallow on drums

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

1. Listen with the sheet music. Notice Harrison’s small details.
2. Practise the grooves slowly. Play every note exactly as written.
3. Focus on placement. Precision is the key to this part.
4. Learn the fills. Slowly first, then in context.
5. Play with the record. Lock in with the riff.
6. Record yourself. Compare your precision with the record.

Why note-for-note sheet music?

Most free Shallow 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?

Shallow drum sheet music suits intermediate to advanced drummers, Gavin Harrison fans and prog-rock players.

About Gavin Harrison

Gavin Harrison was Porcupine Tree’s drummer from 2002 and has also played with King Crimson and The Pineapple Thief. His creative, precise style and books such as Rhythmic Illusions have made him one of the most respected drummers in progressive rock.

More Porcupine Tree drum sheet music

Want more than one song? The Progressive & Odd-Time Drum Sheet Music Collection includes Shallow together with other songs, at a lower price than buying them one by one. This is currently the only Porcupine Tree song in the store – the Porcupine Tree drum sheet music page will list new ones as they are added. In the meantime, browse the full drum sheet music store – prog fans should also explore the Dream Theater, Haken, Tool and Animals As Leaders sheet music.

Frequently asked questions

Does the sheet music cover the whole of Shallow?

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 Shallow hard on drums?

It is intermediate to advanced – heavy and precise, with lots of detail.

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