Hells Bells
Drum Sheet Music

Practice AC/DC on Drums

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Learn to Play Hells Bells Faster With Pro Interactive Drum Player

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

ORIGINAL VERSION

Difficulty Level:

Easy

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

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SIMPLIFIED VERSION

Difficulty Level:

Very 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 Hells Bells

Hard Rock Pocket Consistency
Precise Crash Cymbal Phrasing
Rhythmic Restraint and Control
Driving Quarter Note Endurance
Upper Body Rhythmic Relaxation

Recommended For

This drum sheet is recommended for intermediate drummers looking to strengthen hard-rock pocket consistency, timing, and rhythmic restraint. It is highly valuable for rock players who want to develop driving bass drum endurance, precise crash phrasing, and the essential ability to support an arrangement with absolute confidence and power.

Learn to play Hells Bells on drums

Play Hells Bells 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 Phil Rudd's unwavering pocket. Whether you are building solid hard-rock endurance or refining your precise crash cymbal punctuation, our step-by-step learning tools make mastering this song faster, easier, and far more effective than practicing from a static PDF alone. Grab your sticks, lock into the heavy groove, and start practicing today!

Song information

Artist: AC/DC

Drummer: Phil Rudd

Album: Back in Black

Released: 1980

Sheet Music Details

Length

3 pages of highly readable, clean drum score layouts.

Tempo

100-109

Time Signature

4/4

Key features

Features an unyielding hard-rock pocket, precise offbeat crash cymbal phrasing, controlled open hi-hat washing, strict rhythmic restraint, and driving quarter-note bass drum endurance drills.

Song's Overview

Released in 1980 on AC/DC's landmark album Back in Black, "Hells Bells" stands as a masterclass in atmospheric tension and hard-rock timekeeping. Opening with the ominous tolling of a custom bronze bell, the track establishes a dark, heavy mood before transitioning into a masterfully steady groove. For musicians who want to learn Hells Bells on drums, the performance illustrates how minimalistic execution can create massive sonic weight. Rather than relying on intricate syncopation or rapid fills, the drumming focuses entirely on absolute pocket consistency and power. Phil Rudd drives the arrangement using a rock-solid quarter-note bass drum pattern and an unyielding snare backbeat that locks perfectly with the rhythm guitars. The real difficulty in this Hells Bells drum cover lies in the introductory section, where the drummer must place sparse, explosive crash cymbal hits precisely on the offbeats to match the guitar riff's phrasing. Studying an accurate Hells Bells drum sheet allows intermediate players to analyze how subtle hi-hat dynamics and steady note placement maintain the song's deliberate momentum without rushing, making it an essential piece for refining fundamental hard-rock endurance and precision.

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About the Drummer

Phil Rudd is the long-time drummer for AC/DC and is frequently called the "human metronome" for his unwavering consistency. He is the perfect example for beginners learning drums on how to hold a band together with absolute precision. His minimalist approach has helped AC/DC become one of the best-selling rock bands of all time.

Drumming Style

Rudd's style is all about the "pocket"—a rock-solid, no-frills groove that provides the foundation for heavy guitar riffs. Playing drums to his tracks teaches the importance of timing and restraint, which are vital components of any foundational drum lessons. Because his beats are so iconic and steady, they are excellent for practicing timing when recording your first few drum covers.

Practice Advice

Start Below Full Speed

The track moves at a deliberate 106 BPM. Begin practicing the groove at 80-85 BPM using tempo control. Focus on placing your kick and snare exactly on the grid to build a perfectly stable rhythmic baseline before accelerating.

Loop the Intro Crashes

The sparse crash cymbal entrances during the intro require exact timing. Use loop mode to repeat these measures continuously, ensuring you align your accents perfectly with the guitar riff without rushing the empty spaces.

Avoid Overplaying the Space

A common mistake when learning this song is adding extra snare or tom fills. Phil Rudd’s drumming is powerful due to its absolute restraint. Prioritize a heavy, unyielding pocket and let the groove drive the track.

Stabilize the Ride Pulse

The chorus switches to a driving pattern on the ride cymbal or open hi-hats. Practice along with a metronome to ensure your right hand remains loose and relaxed, keeping the underlying quarter-note pulse completely steady.

Master Right-Foot Endurance

The driving bass drum plays consistent, heavy quarter-note pulses throughout the arrangement. Focus on your leg technique to maintain a solid, powerful volume without letting your foot tense up or drop behind the beat.

Learning Roadmap

Phase 1: Lock the Intro Accents

Isolate the atmospheric intro section where the drums enter with sparse accents. Practice aligning your explosive crash cymbal hits cleanly with the guitar phrasing, focusing on macro-timing stability before the main rhythm begins.

Phase 2: Solidify the Main Verse Pocket

Transition into the foundational verse groove, which utilizes a steady hi-hat pulse and heavy backbeat. Work on clean hand-to-foot alignment at a reduced tempo, building the unyielding consistency required for hard-rock arrangements.

Phase 3: Control Chorus Cymbal Dynamics

Analyze the chorus sections where the intensity expands into a wide-open cymbal wash. Practice maintaining a relaxed wrist posture while keeping your bass drum completely grounded beneath the increased volume of your upper body.

Phase 4: Manage Full Performance Stamina

Combine all distinct phases and play through the entire drum transcription. Focus on physical relaxation across the 106 BPM tempo, managing your energy levels smoothly from the opening bell tolls until the final fade-out.

FAQ

Is Hells Bells suitable for beginners?

Yes. Hells Bells is beginner-friendly and helps you develop core drumming skills like keeping time, playing consistent grooves, and understanding song structure.

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

Yes — our interactive player makes it much easier. You can watch, listen, slow things down, and gradually get familiar with the notation as you play.

Do I need a full drum kit to play Hells Bells?

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

How will learning Hells Bells improve my drumming skills?

Hells Bells helps you develop a solid sense of groove and consistency. You’ll practice staying locked in with the beat while maintaining control over your dynamics.

What skills do I need before learning Hells Bells?

If you can play a basic groove and keep steady time, you’re ready to start learning Hells Bells.