Rush – Tom Sawyer

Tom Sawyer drum sheet music – a note-for-note accurate transcription of Neil Peart's drum part on Rush's “Tom Sawyer”, from the album Moving Pictures (1981). Every one of Neil Peart’s famous fills is written out in a clean, print-ready PDF.

About Tom Sawyer drum sheet music

“Tom Sawyer” opens Moving Pictures, Rush’s best-selling studio album. It is one of the band’s signature songs and a classic of progressive rock.

Neil Peart’s part is one of his most famous performances, full of iconic fills and precise, musical playing, including sections in odd time. A must-study for every rock drummer who wants to understand how Peart built his parts.

A drum transcription taken from the original recording

Every bar of this Tom Sawyer 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 Tom Sawyer 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: Rush
• Album: Moving Pictures (1981)
• Drummer: Neil Peart
• Style: progressive rock

What you get

Your Tom Sawyer 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 Tom Sawyer on drums

Here is a practice plan that works well for Tom Sawyer:

1. Listen with the sheet music. Follow the sections and the odd-time parts.
2. Learn the main groove. Practise it with a metronome.
3. Isolate the fills. Peart’s fills are composed – learn them exactly.
4. Count the odd-time section. Count out loud before playing.
5. Play with the record. Lock in with Geddy Lee’s bass.
6. Record yourself. Check every fill is clean.

Why note-for-note sheet music?

Learning Tom Sawyer 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?

Tom Sawyer drum sheet music suits intermediate to advanced drummers, Neil Peart fans and Rush tribute bands.

About Neil Peart

Neil Peart was Rush’s drummer and lyricist from 1974 until 2015. Famous for his huge kits, composed fills and technical precision, he is one of the most influential rock drummers of all time.

More Rush drum sheet music

Other Rush songs in the store: YYZ. See them all on the Rush drum sheet music page.

Frequently asked questions

Is it the complete Tom Sawyer drum part?

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

Is Tom Sawyer 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 Tom Sawyer in odd time?

Part of the song is in odd time (7/8). The sheet music writes it out clearly so you can count it.

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