24k Magic
Drum Sheet Music

Practice Bruno Mars on Drums

Intermediate to Advanced

Want access to all lessons?

View Plans >>

Learn to Play 24k Magic Faster With Pro Interactive Drum Player

Choose your Drum Sheet Version

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

ORIGINAL VERSION

Difficulty Level:

Intermediate to 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$

Not sure which version?

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

Unlock all songs library and practice like a pro:

$10 / month

Billed at $120 per year

7-day free trial
Full access to all songs
Interactive player
Downloadable drum sheets
Full support
Cancel anytime
30-day money-back guarantee

Start with 7-Day Trial

$15 / month

Billed at $15 per month

Full access to all songs
Interactive player
Downloadable drum sheets
Full support
Cancel anytime

Purchase

Drumming Techniques You'll Learn in 24k Magic

Electronic Funk Groove Consistency
Precise Sixteenth Note Articulation
Synth Bass Rhythmic Alignment
Clean Bridge Section Transitions
Micro Timing and Grid Accuracy

Recommended For

This drum sheet is recommended for intermediate drummers looking to master electronic funk grooves, precise sixteenth-note subdivisions, and strict time-keeping discipline. It is exceptionally valuable for players wanting to adapt modern pop-funk arrangements to an acoustic kit while improving their overall micro-timing accuracy and rhythmic restraint.

Learn to play 24k Magic on drums

Play 24K Magic drum cover with our interactive drum sheet and synchronized video player. Follow every rhythmic accent in real time as the synchronized drum notation moves alongside the track. Use tempo control to break down the dense sixteenth-note hi-hat patterns, select specific looping sections to master the syncopated synth-bass interaction during the bridge, and activate isolated drums to analyze the precise snap of the snare backbeat. Whether you are adapting electronic funk elements to an acoustic kit or refining your micro-timing precision, our modern learning tools make studying this arrangement faster and more efficient than a static printable drum sheet. Grab your sticks and lock into this gold-standard groove today!

Song information

Artist: Bruno Mars

Drummer: Eric "E-Panda" Hernandez

Album: 24K Magic

Released: 2016

Sheet Music Details

Length

2 pages of highly readable, clean drum score layouts.

Tempo

100-109

Time Signature

4/4

Key features

This complete drum transcription features precise electronic funk grooves, intricate sixteenth-note hi-hat patterns, crisp off-beat pedal openings, and syncopated bass drum hits. It challenges your micro-timing accuracy and limb independence.

Song's Overview

Released in 2016 as the title track of his Grammy-winning album, 24K Magic stands as a spectacular tribute to late-1970s funk and 1980s West Coast G-funk. The track single-handedly revitalized interest in retro synth-pop orchestration by blending talkbox intros, heavy electronic synth-bass lines, and crisp drum machine aesthetics into a modern dance production. For musicians who want to learn 24K Magic on drums, the song provides an exceptional lesson in precise syncopation and metric discipline. While the studio track relies on programmed instrumentation, translating this 24K Magic drum cover onto an acoustic drum kit requires a deep understanding of electronic groove placement. The drumming focuses on a rigid, high-precision backbeat mixed with crisp, subdivided sixteenth-note patterns that must lock perfectly with the synthesized bass rhythms. Dissecting this 24K Magic drum sheet highlights how subtle open hi-hat barks and syncopated kick placements create forward momentum without cluttering the vocal space. Navigating this arrangement teaches drummers how to maintain absolute timing stability over an electronic grid, showing that clean articulation and strict pocket control are crucial to making a groove feel genuinely alive and danceable.

Want access to all lessons?

View Plans >>

About the Drummer

Eric "E-Panda" Hernandez is the touring and session drummer for Bruno Mars, known for his high-energy performances and rock-solid timing. He has played on major hits like "24k Magic," bringing a modern flair to classic funk sounds. His work is highly recommended for students learning drums who want to master pop and R&B grooves.

Drumming Style

His style is defined by a tight, "in the pocket" feel and a heavy emphasis on danceable rhythms. When playing drums to his tracks, you must focus on sharp snare hits and syncopated kick drum patterns. His grooves are popular choices for drum covers and serve as excellent material for drum lessons focusing on modern pop.

Practice Advice

Start Below Album Speed

The track’s electronic grid sits at a crisp 107 BPM, demanding sharp rhythmic precision. Use tempo control to practice at 85 BPM first. Focus on landing your kick and snare cleanly on the grid before working up to full speed.

Loop the Tricky Bridge

The bridge introduces complex syncopation against the synth-bass line. Isolate and loop these specific bars to master the hand-to-foot coordination, ensuring your fills do not disrupt the steady time-keeping when returning to the main chorus groove.

Avoid Overplaying the Pattern

A common mistake when tracking this funk groove is adding unnecessary acoustic fills. The programmed arrangement relies on strict minimalism and clean spacing. Prioritize a locked-in pocket and let the synthetic precision drive the track forward.

Lock into the Synth-Bass

Build exceptional groove consistency by matching your bass drum drops directly with the heavy synthesizer baseline. Listen closely to the low-end frequency, making sure your kick notes mirror the rhythmic pulses of the synth to unify the track.

Master Crisp Hi-Hat Articulation

The song features intricate sixteenth-note subdivisions and quick off-beat openings. Practice maintaining an even, controlled wrist motion on the hi-hat, ensuring your cymbals produce a tight bark that resolves perfectly into the heavy snare backbeat.

Learning Roadmap

Phase 1: Internalize the Core Funk Pulse

Isolate the primary verse and chorus rhythms. Focus on maintaining a steady sixteenth-note hi-hat pattern while keeping your kick and snare backbeats flat on the temporal grid. Practice at a reduced tempo to establish clean coordination.

Phase 2: Sync with the Synth Bassline

Analyze the specific bars where the bass drum patterns interact with the electronic low-end hooks. Work on locking these hits precisely on the downbeats, developing the metric independence needed to support the synth groove cleanly.

Phase 3: Master the Tricky Bridge Transitions

Practice navigating the sudden rhythmic changes in the bridge section. Use looping tools to refine your entry and exit points, ensuring your fills remain tightly controlled and land perfectly on the following chorus downbeat.

Phase 4: Perform Full Arrangement with Precision

Combine all sections and play along with the full song. Maintain complete focus on crisp hi-hat articulation, dynamic restraint, and absolute time-keeping consistency from the dramatic talkbox intro to the final, fading groove bars.

FAQ

Is 24k Magic suitable for beginners?

24k Magic is better suited for intermediate to advanced drummers. However, it can be a great long-term goal as your skills improve.

Can I learn 24k Magic if I’m not very confident reading drum notation?

It’s possible to learn 24k Magic 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 24k Magic?

You don’t need everything to start. Focus on the groove first, and add more elements as your setup allows.

How will learning 24k Magic improve my drumming skills?

24k Magic challenges you in a musical way, helping you improve not just technique, but also your ability to play with feel, structure, and confidence.

What skills do I need before learning 24k Magic?

To learn 24k Magic, you’ll need solid timing, good coordination, and experience with more complex drum patterns.