Tony Williams Solo – Seven Steps To Heaven

Seven Steps To Heaven drum solo transcription – a note-for-note accurate transcription of Tony Williams’ drum solo on “Seven Steps To Heaven”, from Miles Davis’ album Seven Steps To Heaven (1963). Every phrase is written out in clean, print-ready drum sheet music.

About Seven Steps To Heaven drum sheet music

Seven Steps To Heaven was the first Miles Davis album with Tony Williams, then just 17 years old, along with Herbie Hancock and Ron Carter – the start of one of the most famous rhythm sections in jazz. The title track was written by Victor Feldman and Miles Davis.

Tony Williams’ solo is fast, fiery and full of ideas, at around 260 bpm. It shows the energy and invention that changed jazz drumming – essential study material for every jazz drummer.

A drum transcription taken from the original recording

This Seven Steps To Heaven drum transcription was written bar by bar from Tony Williams' studio recording and checked against the track. It is not a live take and nothing is simplified – these are the Seven Steps To Heaven 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: Tony Williams
• Album: Seven Steps To Heaven (1963)
• Drummer: Tony Williams
• Tempo: ♩ ≈ 260
• Style: post-bop jazz drum solo

What you get

When you buy Seven Steps To Heaven 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 Seven Steps To Heaven on drums

A step-by-step way to learn Seven Steps To Heaven on drums with the sheet music:

1. Listen many times. Notice the energy and ideas.
2. Practise very slowly. Learn the solo far below tempo.
3. Learn phrase by phrase. Join them only when secure.
4. Stay relaxed. Fast tempos need loose technique.
5. Build up gradually. Raise the tempo step by step.
6. Play along with the record. Match his fire and dynamics.

Why note-for-note sheet music?

Most free Seven Steps To Heaven 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?

This transcription suits advanced jazz drummers and students.

About Tony Williams

Tony Williams joined Miles Davis at 17 and played on classics such as E.S.P., Miles Smiles and Nefertiti. He later pioneered jazz-rock with his band Lifetime and is one of the most influential drummers ever.

More jazz drum sheet music

Other jazz songs in the store: What Is This Thing Called Love, Rhythm, I’ll Remember April and Hard Wired. See them all on the jazz drum sheet music page.

Frequently asked questions

Does the sheet music cover the whole of Seven Steps To Heaven?

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.

How old was Tony Williams on this recording?

He was 17 – this was his first album with Miles Davis.

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