Tool – Sober

Sober drum sheet music – a note-for-note accurate transcription of Danny Carey's drum part on Tool's “Sober”, from the album Undertow (1993). Every groove and fill is written out exactly as recorded, in a clean, print-ready PDF.

About Sober drum sheet music

“Sober” is from Undertow, Tool’s 1993 debut album. Its stop-motion music video and dark, heavy sound made it the band’s breakthrough song.

Danny Carey plays a heavy, hypnotic groove at around 72 bpm, with powerful dynamics between the quiet verses and the crushing choruses. A great song for playing heavy with control.

A drum transcription taken from the original recording

The Sober 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 Sober 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: Undertow (1993)
• Drummer: Danny Carey
• Tempo: ♩ ≈ 72
• Style: alternative metal

What you get

Here is what is included with Sober 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 Sober on drums

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

1. Listen with the sheet music. Mark the quiet and heavy sections.
2. Subdivide at ♩ ≈ 72. Keep the slow groove steady.
3. Play the verses with control. Quiet and hypnotic.
4. Make the choruses crushing. Heavy but in time.
5. Play with the record. Lock in with the bass.
6. Record yourself. Check your dynamics.

Why note-for-note sheet music?

Free versions of Sober 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?

Sober drum sheet music suits intermediate drummers and Tool fans – a good first Tool song.

About Danny Carey

Danny Carey has been Tool’s drummer since 1990, known for his powerful, polyrhythmic playing on Undertow, Ænima, Lateralus and Fear Inoculum.

More Tool drum sheet music

Want more than one song? The Tool Ultimate Drum Collection includes Sober 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 Schism. See them all on the Tool drum sheet music page.

Frequently asked questions

Is this Sober drum sheet music the full song?

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

Are these Sober 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 Sober a good first Tool song to learn?

Yes – it is slower and more approachable than many Tool songs.

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