Cold As Ice
Drum Sheet Music

Practice Foreigner 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:

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$

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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 Cold As Ice

Quarter-Note Groove Consistency
Smooth Sectional Fill Transitions
Precise Hi-Hat Aperture Control
Dynamic Level Management
Pop-Rock Pocket Precision

Recommended For

This drum score is recommended for intermediate drummers aiming to improve their pocket precision and timing. It is highly beneficial for players looking to master clean pop-rock transitions, steady hi-hat control, and the fundamental ability to drive a band with solid rhythmic confidence and excellent dynamic control.

Learn to play Cold As Ice on drums

Play Cold As Ice drum cover with our interactive drum sheet and synchronized media player. Follow every note in real time as the drum notation moves with the music, slow down challenging pop-rock grooves with tempo control, loop difficult transitions until they feel natural, and isolate the drum track to hear every detail of Dennis Elliott's clean studio performance. Whether you're developing your pocket consistency or learning to catch tight rhythmic stabs alongside a piano melody, our interactive drum sheet tools make mastering this song faster and more effective than a static PDF. Grab your sticks and start practicing today!

Song information

Artist: Foreigner

Drummer: Dennis Elliott

Album: Foreigner

Released: 1977

Sheet Music Details

Length

3 pages of highly readable, clean drum score layouts.

Tempo

130-139

Time Signature

4/4

Key features

Features precise pop-rock grooves, subtle open hi-hat accents, syncopated fill transitions, and a strong focus on quarter-note pocket consistency and dynamic shifts between verses and choruses.

Song's Overview

Released in 1977 on Foreigner's self-titled debut album, Cold As Ice established a benchmark for how keyboards and driving rock drums can perfectly blend. Built around a stark, staccato piano riff, the track demands a drumming approach that provides absolute stability while accentuating the dramatic shifts between the sparse verses and the explosive choruses. For players looking to learn Cold As Ice on drums, the composition serves as a masterclass in dynamic control and orchestration. Dennis Elliott uses a solid four-on-the-floor foundation during key sections to lock in with the bass line, keeping the groove steady without overplaying. The real challenge in this Cold As Ice drum cover lies in the precise placement of fills and the sharp crashes that punctuate the vocal hooks. Utilizing a clean Cold As Ice drum sheet allows you to analyze how the drum score shifts from subtle hi-hat work in the verses to open, powerful riding in the chorus. Studying this drum sheet highlights the importance of serving the song arrangement, making it an essential piece for anyone studying classic rock drumming fundamentals.

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About the Drummer

Dennis Elliott was the original drummer for the rock band Foreigner, playing on all their classic hits. His steady and reliable rhythm helped define the sound of 70s and 80s arena rock. He is a great example of a professional who plays exactly what the track needs.

Drumming Style

His style is classic rock-solid, with clear, driving patterns and well-placed fills. For students learning drums, Elliott’s work provides a fundamental understanding of rock song structure. His tracks are iconic choices for classic rock drum covers.

Practice Advice

Start Below Full Speed

The track's main groove relies on absolute precision. Begin practicing at 80-90 BPM using tempo control before moving to the original 110 BPM. Focus on aligning your snare hits perfectly with the grid to build a solid rhythmic foundation.

Loop the Chorus Transitions

The shift from the sparse verse to the driving chorus involves crucial fill placements. Use looping sections to repeat these transitional measures, ensuring your fills flow smoothly without rushing or dragging the new tempo.

Avoid Rushing the Fills

A common mistake here is rushing the syncopated fills during the vocal responses. Keep your hands relaxed and count the sixteenth notes carefully to ensure every strike lands accurately within the groove's pocket.

Lock the Quarter-Note Pulse

Maintain a steady, unwavering quarter-note pulse on the hi-hat during the verses. Focus on keeping your bass drum and snare aligned with the driving keyboard rhythm to achieve maximum groove consistency.

Master the Open Hi-Hat Accents

The song features subtle open hi-hat barks that add flavor to the rhythm. Isolate these moments slowly, focusing on tight foot control to open and close the cymbals crisply without disrupting your hand patterns.

Learning Roadmap

Phase 1: Solidify the Verse Quarter-Note Pocket

Isolate the sparse verse grooves where the drums lock with the piano. Focus on maintaining a clean, steady hi-hat pattern and precise snare backbeats, ensuring your timing doesn't waver during the quieter sections.

Phase 2: Power Through the Chorus Drive

Transition into the high-energy chorus rhythm. Practice opening up your hi-hat or moving to the ride cymbal, delivering a driving bass drum pattern that elevates the song's energy while supporting the vocal layers.

Phase 3: Smooth Out Syncopated Transitions

Analyze the specific fills and cymbal crashes that bridge the different sections. Practice entering and exiting these transitions cleanly, focusing on exact limb independence so the momentum remains entirely seamless.

Phase 4: Execute the Full Arrangement Flawlessly

Combine all sections and play along with the full backing track. Focus on your overall endurance, volume consistency, and musical dynamics from the stark opening bars to the driving outro fade-out.

FAQ

Is Cold As Ice suitable for beginners?

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

Can I learn Cold As Ice if I’m not very confident reading drum notation?

Cold As Ice is more notation-heavy, but it’s also a great opportunity to improve your reading skills while learning it step by step.

Do I need a full drum kit to play Cold As Ice?

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

How will learning Cold As Ice improve my drumming skills?

Learning Cold As Ice 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 Cold As Ice?

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