Tool – Schism

Schism drum sheet music – a note-for-note accurate transcription of Danny Carey's drum part on Tool's “Schism”, from the album Lateralus (2001). Every meter change and fill is written out clearly in a clean, print-ready PDF.

About Schism drum sheet music

“Schism” was the first single from Lateralus, Tool’s third album, and won the Grammy for Best Metal Performance in 2002. It is famous for its constantly shifting time signatures, which make it one of the most discussed songs in progressive rock.

Danny Carey’s drumming is hypnotic and powerful, moving smoothly through the changing meters as if they were simple. The sheet music writes every change out clearly, so you can count and understand the song instead of guessing. A must-study for progressive drummers and anyone who wants to get comfortable in odd time.

A drum transcription taken from the original recording

The Schism 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 Schism 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: Tool
• Album: Lateralus (2001)
• Drummer: Danny Carey
• Style: progressive metal

What you get

Here is what is included with Schism 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 Schism on drums

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

1. Listen many times with the sheet music. Follow every meter change on the page.
2. Count out loud. Practise counting the odd-time bars before playing.
3. Learn it in sections. Master each part separately, slowly.
4. Use a metronome. Set it to eighth notes to help with the odd meters.
5. Play with the record. Lock in with the bass line.
6. Record yourself. Check the meter changes feel smooth.

Why note-for-note sheet music?

Free versions of Schism 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?

Schism drum sheet music is for intermediate to advanced drummers who want to master odd time, Tool fans and progressive rock players.

About Danny Carey

Danny Carey has been Tool’s drummer since 1990. His powerful, polyrhythmic playing – influenced by jazz, tabla and sacred geometry – drives albums such as Ænima, Lateralus and Fear Inoculum.

More Tool drum sheet music

Want more than one song? The Tool Ultimate Drum Collection includes Schism together with other songs, at a lower price than buying them one by one. You can also get other Tool songs one by one: The Pot, Forty Six & 2 and Sober. See them all on the Tool drum sheet music page.

Frequently asked questions

Is this Schism drum sheet music the full song?

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

Are these Schism 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.

Is Schism hard to play on drums?

It is challenging mainly because of the time-signature changes. With the sheet music you can count them clearly, which makes it much easier to learn.

Can’t find the song you need?

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