The Unforgiven
Drum Sheet Music

Practice Metallica on Drums

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

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 The Unforgiven

Slow Tempo Pocket Consistency
Managing Extreme Dynamic Shifts
Precise Cross-Stick Articulation
Spacious Rock Fill Timing
Syncopated Bass Drum Control

Recommended For

This drum sheet is recommended for intermediate drummers looking to strengthen slow-tempo pocket consistency and heavy dynamic control. It is especially valuable for rock players who want to master powerful tom fills and develop the ability to shift seamlessly between delicate cross-stick patterns and explosive, high-impact choruses.

Learn to play The Unforgiven on drums

Play The Unforgiven 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 Lars Ulrich's heavy backbeat. Whether you are mastering deep dynamic contrasts or refining your slow-tempo heavy rock groove, our step-by-step learning tools make mastering this track faster, easier, and far more effective than practicing from a static PDF alone. Pick up your sticks, lock into the heavy pocket, and start practicing today!

Song information

Artist: Metallica

Drummer: Lars Ulrich

Album: Metallica

Released: 1991

Sheet Music Details

Length

3 pages of highly readable, clean drum score layouts.

Tempo

70-79

Time Signature

2/4, 4/4

Key features

Features a heavy half-time rock groove, precise cross-stick patterns, wide-open dynamic shifts, spacious descending tom fills, and syncopated bass drum placement that tests a drummer's slow-tempo pocket control.

Song's Overview

Released in 1991 on Metallica's self-titled "Black Album," The Unforgiven shifted the landscape of heavy metal by flipping the traditional ballad structure on its head. Instead of loud verses and quiet choruses, this track utilizes heavy, thunderous verses contrasted with acoustic, melodic choruses. This unique arrangement presents a fascinating structural challenge for musicians looking to learn The Unforgiven on drums. The drumming relies on a masterclass of restraint, heavy dynamics, and absolute sonic weight. Rather than executing the blistering thrash tempos found in early Metallica records, Lars Ulrich delivers a slow, crushing halftime feel that anchors the song's somber atmosphere. The intro and verses feature precise cross-stick patterns and subtle hi-hat dynamics, which suddenly explode into powerful, wide-open tom rolls and a booming backbeat during the heavier transitions. Studying this The Unforgiven drum cover allows players to explore how a slow tempo requires immense control to prevent rushing. By using an accurate The Unforgiven drum sheet, intermediate drummers can dissect the syncopated bass drum placements and the precise spacing between notes. It remains an essential study in heavy rock drumming, proving that playing with power and spatial awareness can be just as impactful as speed.

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About the Drummer

Lars Ulrich is the co-founder of Metallica and a driving force behind the global success of heavy metal. His career has influenced millions of people to start learning drums specifically for metal. He is known for his ability to write rhythms that perfectly lock in with complex guitar riffs.

Drumming Style

Ulrich’s style is defined by driving double-bass work and a punchy, aggressive snare. Playing drums in his style requires great physical stamina and an understanding of heavy metal song structure. His tracks are legendary choices for drum covers and are fundamental to metal drum lessons.

Practice Advice

Master the Slow Tempo

The original track sits at a heavy, deliberate 70 BPM. Use tempo control to practice the groove even slower at 55-60 BPM. Focus on keeping your hits exactly on the grid without rushing the spaces between notes.

Loop the Heavy Transitions

The abrupt shift from quiet acoustic parts to thunderous, heavy verses requires perfect timing. Use loop mode to repeat these transitional measures until you can change your dynamic volume instantly without altering the overall tempo.

Avoid Rushing the Tom Fills

A common mistake when learning this song is rushing the descending tom fills during the heavy sections. Lars Ulrich leaves plenty of space between notes; keep your arms relaxed and let each drum impact fully.

Lock the Half-Time Pocket

This song depends on a rock-solid, deep half-time pocket. Practice along with a metronome to ensure your snare drum backbeats land with absolute consistency, creating the heavy, marching feel required for the track's main theme.

Refine Your Cross-Stick Technique

The verse features a crisp cross-stick sound on the snare. Focus on your hand placement to find the sweet spot on your drum rim, ensuring a consistent, woody click that cuts through the quiet acoustic guitar arrangement cleanly.

Learning Roadmap

Phase 1: Master the Verse Cross-Stick Groove

Isolate the delicate intro and verse sections. Focus on maintaining a steady eighth-note hi-hat pulse while executing clean, consistent cross-stick rim clicks. Practice slowly to build foundational coordination with the sparse bass drum pattern.

Phase 2: Develop the Explosive Chorus Dynamics

Transition into the heavy rock sections of the track. Work on shifting from soft textures to powerful, wide-open backbeats. Ensure your bass drum hits remain perfectly locked with the driving quarter-note pulse.

Phase 3: Execute Precise Heavy Fills

Analyze the spacious, descending tom fills that connect the song's musical sections. Practice entering and exiting these fills cleanly using looping tools, ensuring you hit the downbeat accurately without dragging the tempo.

Phase 4: Manage Full Song Endurance

Combine all phases and play through the entire drum transcription. Focus on maintaining your physical relaxation during the heavy sections and managing your volume shifts smoothly from the opening bars to the final fade-out.