T.N.T
Drum Sheet Music

Practice AC/DC on Drums

Easy to Intermediate

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

ORIGINAL VERSION

Difficulty Level:

Easy to 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 T.N.T

Heavy Rock Pocket Consistency
Four-on-the-Floor Kick Stability
Uniform Snare Backbeat Velocity
Open Hi-Hat Accent Coordination
Strict Rhythmic Restraint Management

Recommended For

This interactive drum sheet is recommended for beginner and intermediate drummers looking to master heavy rock fundamentals and solid four-on-the-floor kick stability. It is exceptionally valuable for players wanting to develop uniform backbeat velocity and strict rhythmic restraint, while learning to support an aggressive hard rock arrangement with absolute timing consistency, driving physical power, and unwavering musical confidence on the kit.

Learn to play T.N.T on drums

Play T.N.T. drum cover with our interactive drum sheet and synchronized video player. Follow every note in real time as the synchronized drum notation moves with the music, slow down the heavy backbeats with tempo control, loop difficult transition sections until they feel completely natural, and use isolated drums to lock into every detail of Phil Rudd's driving performance. Whether you are building foundational four-on-the-floor stability or refining your heavy snare pocket, our step-by-step learning tools make using this interactive drum sheet faster, easier, and far more effective than practicing from a static PDF alone. Grab your drumsticks and master this hard rock groove today!

Song information

Artist: AC/DC

Drummer: Phil Rudd

Album: T.N.T

Released: 1975

Sheet Music Details

Length

2 pages of highly readable, clean drum score layouts.

Tempo

120-129

Time Signature

4/4

Key features

Features a driving four-on-the-floor bass drum pattern, heavy snare backbeats, precise open-to-closed hi-hat accents, and strict rhythmic restraint requiring exceptional pocket control and uniform backbeat velocity.

Song's Overview

Released in 1975 on the album T.N.T., this track cemented the signature sound of Australian hard rock and defined the template for heavy, unyielding groove placement. Built around a chanting vocal hook and a massive, driving guitar riff, the arrangement demands absolute discipline from the rhythm section to maintain its aggressive momentum. For musicians wanting to learn T.N.T. on drums, the performance serves as a masterclass in structural restraint and pocket control. Phil Rudd’s drumming relies on an unshakeable four-on-the-floor bass drum pattern and heavy snare backbeats that lock flawlessly with the pulsing bassline. Rather than cluttering the track with busy fills or complex syncopation, the rhythm focuses entirely on delivering a steady, heavy swing that allows the guitars and vocals to command the arrangement. Studying this T.N.T. drum cover teaches intermediate players how to maximize the physical weight of a simple rock beat without rushing the tempo. Utilizing an accurate T.N.T. drum sheet helps drummers dissect the precise placement of open hi-hat accents and minimal crash cymbals. This printable drum sheet provides an essential lesson in rock fundamentals, proving that a deep pocket and strict metronomic consistency are a drummer's most powerful tools.

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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's heavy rock pocket requires precise hand-to-foot alignment. Begin practicing the core groove at 100 BPM using tempo control before working toward the original 126 BPM. Focus on burying the beater for a fat, powerful bass drum sound.

Loop the Open Hi-Hat Accents

The chanting sections feature distinct open hi-hat barks. Use loop mode to repeat these measures, ensuring your left foot pedal coordinates perfectly with the heavy snare backbeat without dragging the underlying timekeeping pulse.

Avoid Overplaying the Groove

A frequent mistake when learning this drum score is adding unwritten fills. Phil Rudd's performance thrives on absolute simplicity. Prioritize an unyielding pocket and resist the urge to inject extra notes into the spaces.

Lock the Four-on-the-Floor Pulse

Develop exceptional timing consistency by anchoring your bass drum heavily on every quarter note. Align your kick strokes exactly with the driving rhythm guitar, establishing a unified, massive rock foundation that refuses to rush.

Master Backbeat Velocity

The primary challenge in this arrangement is maintaining an authoritative snare drum volume from start to finish. Practice executing heavy rimshots with relaxed wrists, ensuring your backbeat velocity stays uniform throughout the entire performance without causing premature fatigue.

Learning Roadmap

Phase 1: Solidify the Foundational Groove

Isolate the primary verse rhythm by studying the drum notation. Focus entirely on the heavy four-on-the-floor bass drum pattern and crisp eighth-note hi-hat texture. Practice slowly to ensure your kick and snare strikes land squarely on the grid.

Phase 2: Master the Hi-Hat Accents

Introduce the open-to-closed hi-hat dynamics that accent the famous chanting vocal hooks. Focus on clean foot pedal coordination so the cymbals sizzle evenly without displacing the heavy quarter-note pulse.

Phase 3: Coordinate the Crash Phrasing

Analyze the sparse crash cymbal placements that mark structural transitions. Practice entering and exiting these phrase markers cleanly, ensuring your hands do not speed up before striking the downbeat crash.

Phase 4: Maintain Heavy Pocket Endurance

Combine all phases to execute the entire drum transcription from start to finish. Focus on managing your physical energy and stroke velocity, keeping the hard rock groove completely unyielding and heavy until the final ringing chord.

FAQ

Is T.N.T suitable for beginners?

It’s more suited for beginners with some experience. Using features like tempo control and looping can help you learn it at your own pace.

Can I learn T.N.T if I’m not very confident reading drum notation?

It’s possible to learn T.N.T 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 T.N.T?

While the original version uses a full kit, you can simplify parts and still learn the structure and feel of T.N.T.

How will learning T.N.T improve my drumming skills?

T.N.T 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 T.N.T?

Before learning T.N.T, it helps to be comfortable with basic grooves, simple fills, and maintaining steady timing.