Heathens
Drum Sheet Music

Practice 21 PILOTS on Drums

Intermediate

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Two versions of the drum sheet - choose the one that fits your level and goals.

ORIGINAL VERSION

Difficulty Level:

Intermediate

Exactly as played on the original recording
All fills & ghost notes
Full arrangement

Purchase for only 1.90$

SIMPLIFIED VERSION

Difficulty Level:

Easy

Easier to learn
Simplified fills
Reduced ghost notes
Perfect for beginners & intermediates

Purchase for only 1.90$

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We recommend starting with the Simplified Version and moving to the Original Version once you're comfortable with the groove and structure.

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Drumming Techniques You'll Learn in Heathens

Hybrid Rock Pocket Consistency
Syncopated Bass Drum Independence
Half Time Groove Precision
Managing Large Dynamic Shifts
Electronic To Acoustic Adaptation

Recommended For

This drum sheet is recommended for intermediate drummers looking to strengthen hybrid rock pocket consistency, half-time timing, and lower-body syncopation. It is highly valuable for alternative players who want to develop the crucial ability to blend live acoustic performance with electronic loops using absolute precision, confidence, and musical restraint.

Learn to play Heathens on drums

Play Heathens drum cover with our interactive drum sheet and synchronized video player. Follow every note in real time as the notation moves with the music, slow down challenging sections with tempo control, loop difficult grooves until they feel natural, and isolate the drum track to hear every detail of Josh Dun's dark, electronic-rock phrasing. Whether you are building confidence with slow hybrid-rock grooves or refining your half-time pocket control, our step-by-step learning tools make mastering this alternative hit faster, easier, and far more effective than practicing from a static PDF alone. Grab your drumsticks, lock into the brooding rhythm, and start practicing today!

Song information

Artist: 21 PILOTS

Drummer: Josh Dun

Album: Suicide Squad: The Album

Released: 2016

Sheet Music Details

Length

2 pages of highly readable, clean drum score layouts.

Tempo

90-99

Time Signature

4/4

Key features

Features a slow hybrid-rock half-time pocket, syncopated bass drum placement, open cymbal chorus washing, precise electronic-to-acoustic transitions, and minimalist restraint drills designed to test a drummer's macro-timing and spatial control.

Song's Overview

Released in 2016 on Suicide Squad: The Album, Heathens quickly became a defining track for Twenty One Pilots, showcasing their unique ability to blend eerie pop elements with heavy alternative rock themes. Built around an atmospheric synthesizer line and a brooding vocal performance, the track relies on its minimalistic but heavy instrumentation to build psychological tension throughout the arrangement. For musicians who want to learn Heathens on drums, the track serves as a brilliant example of modern hybrid timekeeping. Josh Dun’s drumming masterfully shifts between an electronic hip-hop inspired loop vibe and an explosive, live acoustic performance. The verses require extreme precision, utilizing tight hi-hat work and subtle bass drum syncopation to keep the dark pocket moving steadily. When the chorus hits, the song expands into wide-open cymbal crashes and a powerful half-time feel that gives the track its alternative rock weight. Studying this Heathens drum cover helps intermediate players understand the value of spatial awareness and dynamic control. Utilizing an accurate Heathens drum sheet allows drummers to analyze how electronic loops and live acoustic drums interact seamlessly, making this piece an essential study for mastering modern hybrid rock drumming.

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About the Drummer

Josh Dun is the energetic drummer for Twenty One Pilots, known for blending electronic pads with a traditional acoustic kit. He is a modern hero for those learning drums, often incorporating hip-hop and indie-pop influences into his playing. His high-energy live performances have made him a global icon for a new generation of drummers.

Drumming Style

His style is eclectic and syncopated, often featuring rapid-fire snare rolls and hybrid electronic-acoustic beats. When playing drums to his tracks, you must be comfortable switching between acoustic and digital sounds. His songs are top-tier choices for modern drum covers and specialized drum lessons on hybrid drumming.

Practice Advice

Start Below Full Speed

The track sits at a deliberate 90 BPM. Begin practicing the syncopated groove at 70 BPM using tempo control. Focus on exact note alignment and spatial awareness before building up to the full recording tempo.

Loop the Chorus Transitions

The sudden expansion from a tight, closed verse into a heavy, open chorus can cause rushing. Use loop mode to repeat these transitions, ensuring you enter the wide-open cymbal crashes cleanly.

Avoid Overplaying the Space

A frequent mistake when learning this song is adding unwritten fills. Josh Dun's performance derives its power from restraint; prioritize an unyielding half-time pocket and let the electronic elements breathe.

Ground the Syncopated Bass Drum

The verse features offbeat bass drum hits that lock with the synth loop. Use a metronome to keep your foot perfectly stable, ensuring your kick drum does not drift during the spaces.

Control Open Cymbal Dynamics

The chorus features high-energy crash washing that can easily overpower a room. Focus on your wrist relaxation and stick heights to maintain an even, musical wash without dragging the underlying tempo.

Learning Roadmap

Phase 1: Master the Tight Verse Groove

Isolate the primary verse rhythm, focusing on the crisp eighth notes on the hi-hat and syncopated bass drum hits. Practice slowly to build foundational coordination with the electronic loop foundation.

Phase 2: Solidify the Heavy Chorus Pocket

Transition into the high-energy chorus section, shifting to an open cymbal wash. Work on maintaining a powerful, driving half-time pulse while keeping your snare backbeats heavily grounded on beat three.

Phase 3: Perfect the Dynamic Fill Transitions

Analyze the sparse but punchy tom and snare fills that bridge the song's structural sections. Practice entering and exiting these transitions smoothly using tempo control to eliminate any rhythmic hesitation.

Phase 4: Perform the Full Hybrid Arrangement

Combine all distinct phases and play through the entire drum notation. Focus on physical relaxation across the 90 BPM tempo, managing your dynamic shifts cleanly from the intro to the final hit.

FAQ

Is Heathens suitable for beginners?

Heathens is better suited for intermediate to advanced drummers. However, it can be a great long-term goal as your skills improve.

Can I learn Heathens if I’m not very confident reading drum notation?

It’s possible to learn Heathens by ear, especially if you break it into sections. Over time, you’ll also improve your ability to read drum notation.

Do I need a full drum kit to play Heathens?

No — you don’t need a full drum kit to play Heathens. A basic setup (kick, snare, hi-hat) is enough to get started.

How will learning Heathens improve my drumming skills?

Learning Heathens with an interactive player allows you to break the song into sections, slow it down, and truly understand every part — helping you improve faster and more efficiently.

What skills do I need before learning Heathens?

To learn Heathens, you’ll need solid timing, good coordination, and experience with more complex drum patterns.