Always On The Run
Drum Sheet Music

Practice Lenny Kravitz on Drums

Intermediate

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Learn to Play Always On The Run 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:

Intermediate

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

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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 Always On The Run

Developing Funk Rock Pocket Consistency
Improving Syncopated Bass Drum Precision
Precise Hi Hat Accent Control
Mastering Snare Ghost Note Dynamics
Enhancing Rhythmic Endurance and Relaxation

Recommended For

This drum score is recommended for intermediate drummers looking to strengthen their funk-rock pocket, syncopation, and timing precision. It is highly valuable for players wanting to master hi-hat openings and ghost note dynamics while building the physical endurance necessary to support a driving rock arrangement.

Learn to play Always On The Run on drums

Play Always on the Run drum cover with our interactive drum sheet and intuitive learning tools. This funk-rock track is perfect for developing a tight groove and mastering crisp hi-hat accents. Using our synchronized drum notation, you can watch the music move in perfect time with the audio. Slow down the dense syncopated patterns with tempo control, or utilize looping sections to lock in the main groove until it feels automatic. If you want to hear every nuance of the performance, isolate the drums to strip away the guitars and vocals. Grab your sticks, load the interactive drum sheet, and start mastering this groove today!

Song information

Artist: Lenny Kravitz

Drummer: Lenny Kravitz

Album: Mama Said

Released: 1991

Sheet Music Details

Length

3 pages of highly readable, clean drum score layouts.

Tempo

80-89

Time Signature

4/4

Key features

Features a prominent syncopated funk-rock groove, rapid hi-hat openings, ghost note integration, and a focus on pocket consistency rather than complex fills. Perfect for developing precision and control.

Song's Overview

Released in 1991 on the album Mama Said, Always on the Run brought a raw, groove-heavy approach back to mainstream rock. The track stands out because Lenny Kravitz handled the drumming duties himself, creating a tight, unified rhythmic feel that perfectly complements the driving guitar riffs. For drummers, analyzing an Always on the Run drum cover reveals how classic funk rhythms can be seamlessly injected into a hard rock context. The drumming relies heavily on a precise, driving pocket rather than complex polyrhythms. It is built around a syncopated bass drum pattern and crisp hi-hat openings that add a distinct vocal quality to the groove. This combination requires excellent limb independence and dynamic control, as the ghost notes and sharp accents give the song its undeniable bounce. Learning this track with an accurate drum sheet allows players to study how a steady, repetitive rhythm can sustain incredible energy throughout an entire arrangement without overplaying. Ultimately, Always on the Run remains an essential study in funk-rock phrasing, showing how a minimalist setup and a focused pocket can define the entire attitude of a song.

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About the Drummer

Lenny Kravitz is a multi-instrumentalist who frequently plays his own drum parts to capture a raw, vintage rock sound. On "Always On The Run," his drumming provides a funk-rock foundation that is both gritty and groovy. His approach is inspiring for those learning drums who want to understand the connection between rhythm and songwriting.

Drumming Style

His style is raw and groove-oriented, often mimicking the classic rock and funk sounds of the 1970s. When playing drums to his music, focus on the power of the backbeat and a simplified, punchy setup. His tracks are great for drum covers that require high energy and are featured in drum lessons focused on crossover rock genres.

Practice Advice

Start Below Full Speed

The main groove relies on a precise syncopated bass drum pattern aligned with the guitar riff. Begin practicing at 80 BPM to lock in the spacing between your kick and snare, ensuring the rhythm doesn't rush.

Loop the Hi-Hat Openings

The recurring hi-hat "barks" give the track its distinct lift. Use looping sections to practice opening and closing the hi-hat cleanly on the off-beats without altering your steady eighth-note hand movement.

Maintain Consistent Dynamic Levels

A frequent mistake is overplaying the accents or losing the subtle ghost notes. Keep your backbeats strong on two and four, but ensure your ghosted snare notes remain low to preserve the groove's natural bounce.

Lock with the Bassline

To establish a true pocket, your bass drum hits must pin themselves directly to the underlying bass groove. Practice along with a metronome, focusing entirely on the tight synchronization between your foot and the pulse.

Manage Your Physical Endurance

The verse pattern repeats continuously with very few breaks, demanding consistent forearm and wrist stamina. Stay relaxed while playing the eighth notes on the hi-hat, avoiding tension to keep the tempo perfectly steady.

Learning Roadmap

Phase 1: Build the Core Funk Foundation

Isolate the primary verse groove, focusing on the placement of the syncopated bass drum hits alongside solid snare backbeats. Practice slowly to lock in the fundamental pattern and build muscle memory for the repetitive structure.

Phase 2: Integrate Hi-Hat Accent Openings

Introduce the sharp off-beat hi-hat openings that accent the main riff. Focus on clean foot coordination to open and close the cymbals precisely, ensuring your hand speed remains steady without dragging the tempo.

Phase 3: Refine Ghost Notes and Transitions

Incorporate the subtle snare ghost notes to add texture and depth to the pocket. Practice transitioning smoothly into the chorus sections, keeping your dynamic levels balanced so the track retains its signature funky bounce.

Phase 4: Perform the Complete Arrangement

Combine all sections and play along with the full song. Focus on your physical endurance and driving consistency, maintaining a relaxed posture to keep the groove completely locked from the intro to the final fade-out.

FAQ

Is Always On The Run 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 Always On The Run if I’m not very confident reading drum notation?

It’s possible to learn Always On The Run 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 Always On The Run?

While some fills may require toms or cymbals, the core of Always On The Run can be practiced on a smaller kit.

How will learning Always On The Run improve my drumming skills?

Learning Always On The Run 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 Always On The Run?

To learn Always On The Run, you’ll need solid timing, good coordination, and experience with more complex drum patterns.