Rush – YYZ

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

About YYZ drum sheet music

“YYZ” is Rush’s famous instrumental from Moving Pictures. Its intro rhythm spells out the Toronto airport code Y-Y-Z in Morse code, and it was nominated for a Grammy for Best Rock Instrumental Performance.

Neil Peart’s drumming is precise and technical, with unusual phrasing, odd-time sections and composed fills. A must-study for progressive drummers.

A drum transcription taken from the original recording

The YYZ drum transcription on this page is written from the original studio recording – not from a live version and not from a simplified arrangement. If you have been searching for YYZ drum notes that actually match the record, this is the complete part, from the first bar to the last.

Song sections are clearly labelled, so you always know where you are, and the layout follows the song from start to finish. The PDF is professionally engraved, prints cleanly and reads just as well on an iPad or any other tablet.

Song facts

• Artist: Rush
• Album: Moving Pictures (1981)
• Drummer: Neil Peart
• Tempo: ♩ ≈ 110
• Style: progressive rock instrumental

What you get

Here is what is included with YYZ drum sheet music:

• 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 YYZ on drums

Once you have the YYZ drum sheet music, here is a simple way to learn it:

1. Listen many times. Learn the structure.
2. Learn the intro rhythm. Count it carefully.
3. Practise in sections. Slowly with a metronome.
4. Learn the fills exactly. Peart’s fills are composed.
5. Build up to ♩ ≈ 110. Step by step.
6. Play with the record. Then record yourself.

Why note-for-note sheet music?

Free versions of YYZ drum notes online are often tabs typed out by ear, with missing fills and rhythms that don’t match the record. A proper transcription saves you hours of guessing: every part is checked against the original recording, the rhythms are exact, and the layout follows the song so you always know where you are.

Who is this sheet music for?

YYZ drum sheet music suits intermediate to advanced drummers and Rush fans.

About Neil Peart

Neil Peart was Rush’s drummer and lyricist from 1974 to 2015 and is one of the most influential rock drummers ever.

More Rush drum sheet music

Want more than one song? The Progressive & Odd-Time Drum Sheet Music Collection includes YYZ together with other songs, at a lower price than buying them one by one. You can also get other Rush songs one by one: Tom Sawyer. See them all on the Rush drum sheet music page.

Frequently asked questions

Is this YYZ drum sheet music the full song?

Yes. It is the full song, transcribed note-for-note from the original recording on Moving Pictures. Nothing is simplified.

Are these YYZ drum tabs?

No – it is proper drum notation, which is more precise than tabs because it shows exactly when every note falls. If you are new to reading, it is easier than it looks – each drum and cymbal has its own place on the staff.

When do I get the PDF?

Straight away – the download link appears right after checkout and arrives in your inbox, so you can print it or open it on a tablet.

What does YYZ mean?

It is the code of Toronto Pearson Airport – the intro rhythm spells it in Morse code.

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