Procol Harum – A Whiter Shade of Pale

A Whiter Shade Of Pale drum sheet music – a note-for-note accurate transcription of Bill Eyden's drum part on Procol Harum's “A Whiter Shade Of Pale” (1967). Every groove and fill is written out exactly as recorded, in a clean, print-ready PDF.

About A Whiter Shade Of Pale drum sheet music

“A Whiter Shade Of Pale” was Procol Harum’s debut single in 1967. It went to number one in the UK and many other countries and is one of the best-selling singles of all time.

Session drummer Bill Eyden plays a slow, soulful groove that supports the famous organ melody. At around 75 bpm, it is great for practising feel and touch at a slow tempo.

A drum transcription taken from the original recording

This A Whiter Shade Of Pale drum transcription was written bar by bar from Procol Harum's studio recording and checked against the track. It is not a live take and nothing is simplified – these are the A Whiter Shade Of Pale 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: Procol Harum
• Released: 1967
• Drummer: Bill Eyden
• Tempo: ♩ ≈ 75
• Style: soul / baroque pop

What you get

When you buy A Whiter Shade Of Pale 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 A Whiter Shade Of Pale on drums

A step-by-step way to learn A Whiter Shade Of Pale on drums with the sheet music:

1. Listen with the sheet music. Feel the slow, soulful groove.
2. Subdivide at ♩ ≈ 75. Keep the time steady.
3. Work on your touch. Keep the groove gentle and warm.
4. Learn the fills. Slowly and evenly.
5. Play with the record. Follow the organ.
6. Record yourself. Check the slow groove.

Why note-for-note sheet music?

Most free A Whiter Shade Of Pale 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?

A Whiter Shade Of Pale drum sheet music suits beginner-to-intermediate drummers, wedding and function bands.

About Procol Harum

Procol Harum formed in London in 1967. With Gary Brooker’s voice and Matthew Fisher’s organ, “A Whiter Shade Of Pale” became one of the most famous songs of the 1960s.

More Procol Harum drum sheet music

This is currently the only Procol Harum song in the store – the Procol Harum drum sheet music page will list new ones as they are added. In the meantime, browse the full drum sheet music store – for more classics, try Elton John’s “Rocket Man” or David Bowie’s “Life On Mars”.

Frequently asked questions

Does the sheet music cover the whole of A Whiter Shade Of Pale?

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 A Whiter Shade Of Pale easy on drums?

Yes – it is slow and gentle, great for working on feel.

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