The Rembrandts – I’ll Be There For You (Friends theme song)

I’ll Be There For You drum sheet music – a note-for-note transcription of Pat Mastelotto’s drum part on The Rembrandts’ “I’ll Be There For You (Friends theme)”, from Friends (1995). Every groove, fill and cymbal hit is written out from the original recording in a clean, print-ready PDF.

About the drum part

“I’ll Be There For You” is the theme song of the TV series Friends, and one of the most recognisable intros in pop music. The drum part is fast and upbeat, but it is built from simple, repeating patterns – which makes it a very satisfying song to learn.

After four bars of rest, the drums play open hi-hat hits over a sparse bass drum under the famous guitar intro. The verses use a straight eighth-note rock groove at about 186 bpm, the pre-chorus switches to a quarter-note feel that builds with eighth notes, and the choruses add crashes. The bridge builds with a long crescendo.

What’s in the I’ll Be There For You drum sheet music

This I’ll Be There For You drum sheet music uses one-bar and four-bar repeats, so the page is very easy to read. Sections are labelled (intro, verses, pre-chorus, choruses, bridge), and the chart shows exactly where to play with or without a crash.

Looking for I’ll Be There For You drum tabs? This is full drum notation on a five-line staff, so it shows the exact rhythm of every note – something tabs can’t do.

Song facts

• Artist: The Rembrandts
• From: Friends (1995)
• Drummer: Pat Mastelotto
• Tempo: ♩ ≈ 186
• Time signature: 4/4
• Style: Pop rock
• Level: Beginner to intermediate

What 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 I’ll Be There For You (Friends theme) on drums

Once you have the I’ll Be There For You drum sheet music, here is a good way to learn it:

1. Start slower. The tempo is fast. Learn the verse groove at 130–140 bpm first.
2. Learn the intro hits. The open hi-hat notes in the intro follow the guitar. Listen and count carefully.
3. Count the four-bar repeats. Keep track of the bars so you change section at the right time.
4. Play along. Once it feels comfortable, it is one of the most fun songs to play with the record.

Reading tips for this chart

• Open and closed hi-hat are marked with a small “o” (open) and “+” (closed) above the note. The timing of the openings is part of the groove, so follow them closely.
• Repeat bars (the slash signs) mean “play the previous bar or bars again”. The small numbers above them count the bars so you do not lose your place.
• Section labels in boxes (such as I, V1, C1) name each part of the song – intro, verse, chorus and so on – so you can find your place quickly.

Who is it for?

This I’ll Be There For You drum sheet music is great for beginner to intermediate drummers, wedding and cover bands, and anyone who wants a famous, feel-good song to practise playing at a fast tempo.

More The Rembrandts drum sheet music

Browse the The Rembrandts drum sheet music page, or order a custom drum transcription of another song.

Frequently asked questions

Is this I’ll Be There For You drum sheet music the full song?

Yes. It is the complete drum part, transcribed note-for-note from the original recording on Friends. Nothing is simplified.

Is it a drum tab or real notation?

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

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.

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