New Divide
Drum Sheet Music

Practice Linkin Park on Drums

Easy to Intermediate

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Learn to Play New Divide 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:

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 New Divide

6/8 Compound Time Fluency
Large Scale Dynamic Control
Smooth Cross Kit Fill Navigation
Ballad Pocket Timing Precision
Seamless Section Transition Execution

Recommended For

This drum sheet is recommended for intermediate drummers looking to master compound time signatures and large-scale dynamic control. It is valuable for rock players who want to develop smooth cross-kit fills, open cymbal phrasing, and the ability to support an orchestral ballad with absolute structural confidence and timing precision.

Learn to play New Divide on drums

Play Iris 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 Mike Malinin's performance. Whether you are developing your confidence in 6/8 time signatures or mastering intense driving crescendos, 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 drumsticks, lock into the triplet-based pulse, and sync your timing today!

Song information

Artist: Linkin Park

Drummer: Rob Bourdon

Album: Dizzy Up the Girl

Released: 1998

Sheet Music Details

Length

3 pages of highly readable, clean drum score layouts.

Tempo

110-119

Time Signature

4/4

Key features

Features a distinct 6/8 compound rock groove, dramatic dynamic swells matching orchestral sections, wide-open cymbal washing choruses, spacious cross-kit tom fills, and strict tempo consistency challenges across multiple song movements.

Song's Overview

Released in 1998 on the Goo Goo Dolls' breakout album Dizzy Up the Girl, Iris transformed modern alternative rock orchestration by utilizing an uncommon 6/8 meter paired with a unique mandolin and string arrangement. For musicians who want to learn Iris on drums, the track presents a compelling study in dynamic tension and phrasing. Mike Malinin’s drumming provides the essential backbone that keeps this sweepingly emotional ballad grounded, transitioning smoothly between sparse acoustic passages and heavy, full-band crescendos. The rhythmic framework of this Iris drum cover relies on an unyielding triplet pulse where the snare drum consistently punches on beat four of the 6/8 framework. Instead of overcomplicating the structure with frequent patterns, the performance relies on heavy quarter-note bass drum placements and expansive, swelling tom fills that mirror the soaring orchestral strings. Every transition demands strict timekeeping control so the triplet sub-divisions do not compress or rush during the louder choruses. Studying the accurate Iris drum sheet allows intermediate drummers to analyze how sub-division consistency and volume scaling can drive a rock ballad with maximum emotional impact, making it an excellent piece for refining compound-time groove control.

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About the Drummer

Rob Bourdon is the drummer for Linkin Park, known for his precision and ability to blend acoustic and electronic sounds. He is a primary inspiration for those learning drums in the nu-metal and alternative rock genres. His tasteful playing is a key part of the band's massive global success.

Drumming Style

His style is focused on accuracy and a steady, machine-like precision that supports the band's hybrid sound. Playing drums along to his tracks is a great way to improve timing and coordination between electronics and acoustic kits. His songs are excellent for high-impact drum covers and modern rock drum lessons.

Practice Advice

Start Below Full Speed

The original track flows at a steady 156 BPM in a triplet feel. Begin practicing around 110 BPM using tempo control to ensure your limbs internalize the compound timing accurately before increasing to full speed.

Loop the Dynamic Chorus Entry

The transition into the main chorus features an explosive full-band entry. Use loop mode to repeat these measures, focusing on landing your crash accents precisely on the downbeat without disrupting your rhythm.

Avoid Rushing Triplet Fills

A common mistake when learning this song is dragging or pushing the descending tom fills. Keep your wrists relaxed and ensure each drum stroke is evenly spaced within the 6/8 triplet subdivision.

Lock Compound Time Grooves

Maintaining consistency in 6/8 requires a strong internal pulse. Practice with a metronome, focusing heavily on aligning your bass drum and hi-hat accents to provide a solid bedrock for the acoustic instruments.

Master Orchestral Dynamic Builds

The song relies on dramatic volume shifts that match the strings. Focus on your stick heights, starting with delicate hi-hat taps during the verses and scaling up to powerful accents in the soaring choruses.

Learning Roadmap

Phase 1: Internalize the Compound 6/8 Meter

Isolate the fundamental verse groove. Focus on maintaining a steady triplet pulse on the hi-hat while placing the bass drum and snare clicks accurately. Practice slowly to build natural comfort with compound time.

Phase 2: Solidify the Driving Chorus Backbeat

Transition into the high-energy chorus sections. Work on expanding your dynamics, driving a powerful quarter-note bass drum pattern beneath open, washing cymbals while keeping the snare rock-solid on the backbeat.

Phase 3: Perfect the Orchestrating Tom Fills

Analyze the spacious, sweeping tom rolls that connect the musical transitions. Use interactive tools to practice navigating these fills fluidly, ensuring you exit each pattern cleanly without dropping or altering the underlying tempo.

Phase 4: Execute Full Large-Scale Song Dynamics

Combine all distinct sections into a complete play-through alongside the notation. Focus on managing your physical energy and stick heights across the long arrangement, handling the dramatic volume builds with confidence and precision.

FAQ

Is New Divide 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 New Divide if I’m not very confident reading drum notation?

It’s possible to learn New Divide 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 New Divide?

Yes — to fully play New Divide as recorded, a full drum kit is recommended due to the use of multiple toms and cymbals.

How will learning New Divide improve my drumming skills?

By learning New Divide, you’ll work on coordination between your hands and feet, as well as transitions between grooves and fills.

What skills do I need before learning New Divide?

Even if you’re still developing these skills, you can learn New Divide step by step by slowing it down and practicing in sections.