The Kill
Drum Sheet Music

Practice 30 Seconds To Mars on Drums

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

ORIGINAL VERSION

Difficulty Level:

Advanced

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

Purchase for only 1.90$

SIMPLIFIED VERSION

Difficulty Level:

Easy to Intermediate

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 The Kill

6/8 Time Signature Mastery
Dynamic Contrast and Control
Rock Drumming Endurance Building
High-Energy Transition Precision
Ghost Note Texture Refinement

Recommended For

This drum sheet is recommended for intermediate drummers looking to master modern rock dynamics and build physical endurance in a 6/8 meter. It is highly beneficial for alternative rock players wanting to refine their transition precision, ghost note placement, and the ability to drive high-intensity song arrangements cleanly.

Learn to play The Kill on drums

Play The Kill drum cover with our interactive drum sheet and synchronized video player. Follow the driving 6/8 groove in real time as the synchronized drum notation moves with the music. Slow down the rapid, energetic choruses using tempo control, and use looping sections to isolate difficult fills until they feel natural. You can also listen to isolated drums to capture every subtle hi-hat accent and heavy snare strike in Shannon Leto's performance. Our interactive drum sheet transforms this challenging track into a step-by-step drum lesson, helping you build dynamic endurance and rhythmic precision. Grab your sticks and start practicing today!

Song information

Artist: 30 Seconds To Mars

Drummer: Shannon Leto

Album: A Beautiful Lie

Released: 2005

Sheet Music Details

Length

4 pages of highly readable, clean drum score layouts.

Tempo

60-69

Time Signature

6/8

Key features

This precise drum transcription features a driving 6/8 modern rock groove, stark dynamic contrasts between verses and choruses, syncopated hi-hat open-close patterns, energetic linear fills, and high-velocity drum roll transitions requiring excellent physical endurance.

Song's Overview

Released in 2005 on the album A Beautiful Lie by Thirty Seconds to Mars, The Kill stands as a defining moment in mid-2000s alternative rock. The track is renowned for its intense emotional arc, shifting from quiet, haunting verses to explosive, high-energy choruses. For musicians looking to learn The Kill on drums, the song provides a masterclass in handling a driving 6/8 time signature within a modern rock framework. From a drumming perspective, the track's magic lies in its dramatic use of tension and release. Shannon Leto's performance uses subtle hi-hat work and ghost notes during the verses to build anticipation, which then releases into a heavy, wall-of-sound beat during the chorus. This requires precise control over dynamics and accent placement. Analyzing an accurate The Kill drum sheet reveals how the rhythm section supports the soaring vocals without overcrowding the arrangement. Practicing a The Kill drum cover challenges your physical endurance and tempo stability, as the urge to rush during the intense sections is a common hurdle. Working through the song with a proper drum sheet allows players to understand how to maintain a solid pocket while executing powerful, fast-paced transitions. It remains a staple track for developing expressive rock performance skills.

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About the Drummer

Shannon Leto is the drummer for the alternative rock band 30 Seconds to Mars. He is known for his high-energy playing and his use of electronic pads and triggers to create a modern, cinematic sound. He is a great study for students learning drums in a hybrid rock setting.

Drumming Style

His style is dramatic and powerful, often featuring tribal-style toms and steady, building pulses. Playing drums to "The Kill" requires a steady hand and great emotional dynamics. His grooves are popular choices for modern alternative drum covers and hybrid drum lessons.

Practice Advice

Lock in the 6/8 Pulse

The song is built on a driving 6/8 time signature. Set your metronome or use tempo control to start practicing at a slower speed, around 90 BPM. Focus on feeling the underlying triplet pulse before ramping up to the full album speed.

Loop the Chorus Transition

The transition from the quiet verse into the explosive chorus requires sudden energy. Isolate this specific section using looping tools to ensure your limbs transition smoothly from delicate hi-hat taps to powerful, full-velocity snare and crash accents without rushing the beat.

Control Emotional Rushing

A common mistake when playing this high-intensity track is rushing the tempo during the choruses. The emotional weight of the song can cause drummers to speed up. Maintain a steady, anchored pocket by focusing tightly on the constant eighth-note flow of the groove.

Maintain Bass Drum Consistency

To keep the groove steady, your bass drum needs to provide a rock-solid foundation. Focus on the alignment between your kick drum and the snare accents on count four. Consistent foot technique prevents the rhythm from feeling sloppy or unsettled during loud sections.

Master the Verse Ghost Notes

The verses rely heavily on subtle dynamics and texture. Practice the ghost notes and light syncopated hi-hat steps slowly. Ensuring a wide volume contrast between these quiet notes and the loud chorus hits is essential for capturing the song's signature dramatic tension.

Learning Roadmap

Phase 1: Internalize the 6/8 Verse Groove

Begin by breaking down the underlying 6/8 feel of the verse. Focus on the delicate hi-hat patterns and light snare work. Practice keeping a steady inner count to build comfort with the time signature before adding any complex fills.

Phase 2: Develop High-Energy Chorus Power

Shift focus to the explosive chorus sections. Work on executing heavy, driving backbeats while maintaining clean cymbal formatting. Prioritize physical relaxation to prevent muscle tension as the volume and intensity of the drumming increase significantly.

Phase 3: Smooth Out Section Transitions

Isolate the dynamic shifts where the song moves between quiet verses and loud choruses. Practice entering and exiting the fills accurately, making sure your timing remains flawless and you do not drag or rush during the dramatic arrangement changes.

Phase 4: Build Endurance for Full Performance

Combine all sections and play along with the full song. Focus on your physical stamina, dynamic control, and emotional pacing, ensuring you deliver a cohesive, high-energy performance from the opening bars to the final dramatic crash.