High & Dry
Drum Sheet Music

Practice Radiohead on Drums

Intermediate to Advanced

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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

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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 High & Dry

Hi-Hat Sub-Division Precision
Hand-to-Hand Dynamic Control
Song Transition Fluidity
Alternative Rock Groove Consistency
Mid-Tempo Pocket Stability

Recommended For

This drum score is recommended for advanced-beginner to intermediate drummers aiming to improve their sub-division precision and dynamic limb independence. It is highly beneficial for players looking to master mid-tempo alternative rock grooves, focusing on how subtle hi-hat control and pocket consistency support a melodic song arrangement.

Learn to play High & Dry on drums

Play High & Dry drum cover with our interactive drum sheet and synchronized video player. Follow every note in real time as the synchronized drum notation moves with the music, slow down challenging sixteenth-note hi-hat accents with tempo control, loop difficult transition sections until they feel natural, and isolate the drum track to hear every detail of Philip Selway's precise stick work. Whether you're building your dynamic control with acoustic alt-rock patterns or refining your overall timing precision, our interactive drum sheet learning tools make mastering this song faster and far more effective than practicing from a static PDF alone. Grab your drumsticks, lock into the groove, and start playing today!

Song information

Artist: Radiohead

Drummer: Philip Selway

Album: The Bends

Released: 1995

Sheet Music Details

Length

2 pages of highly readable, clean drum score layouts.

Tempo

80-89

Time Signature

4/4

Key features

Features continuous sixteenth-note hi-hat sub-divisions, precise dynamic control between song sections, ghost-note textures, and clean, supportive alternative rock fills that prioritize groove consistency over technical complexity.

Song's Overview

Released in 1995 on Radiohead's second studio album The Bends, High & Dry stands out as a defining track in the 1990s alternative rock movement. Built around an introspective acoustic guitar melody, the song balances a melancholic melodic tone with a remarkably steady, driving rhythm that keeps the arrangement grounded. It serves as an excellent study in how subtle rhythmic embellishments can shape the emotional arc of a mid-tempo rock ballad without overpowering the vocals. For drummers, learning to play High & Dry on drums offers an excellent lesson in precision and micro-groove adjustments. Philip Selway's drumming avoids flashy fills, focusing instead on a tight, continuous sixteenth-note pattern on the hi-hat that injects an underlying energy into a relaxed tempo. The challenge lies in executing clean accents and maintaining absolute dynamic separation between the quiet hi-hat texture and the solid backbeat on the snare. A close look at the High & Dry drum sheet reveals how the drums carefully mirror the dynamic shifts between the verses and the open, driving chorus. Mastering this High & Dry drum cover is not about technical speed, but about developing the discipline required to hold a pocket steady while executing nuanced, articulate stick work.

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About the Drummer

Philip Selway is the drummer for Radiohead, known for his ability to blend traditional rock drumming with complex, electronic-influenced rhythms. His subtle and creative approach is highly respected in the alternative rock community. Every student learning drums in the alternative genre studies his unique parts.

Drumming Style

Selway’s style is precise and often features intricate hi-hat work and syncopated snare patterns. Playing drums in his style involves a focus on nuance and creating a rhythmic "mood" for the song. His tracks are popular for artistic drum covers and are featured in drum lessons.

Practice Advice

Start Below Full Speed

The track features a steady 88 BPM tempo, but the continuous hi-hat notes require clean control. Begin practicing around 70 BPM using tempo control to ensure your hands stay relaxed before building up to full speed.

Loop the Chorus Transitions

Pay close attention to how the groove shifts from the tight verse into the broader chorus. Use looping tools to repeat these structural transitions until your cymbal choices and fills feel seamless and natural.

Avoid Rushing the Accents

A frequent mistake is rushing the sub-divided sixteenth notes on the hi-hat, which pulls the pocket forward. Focus on keeping your hand relaxed, letting each note sit perfectly inside the metronome click.

Lock into the Backbeat

To establish a solid pocket, align your snare hits precisely on beats two and four. Ensure your kick drum remains steady, providing a dependable foundation that anchors the acoustic guitar melody.

Master Hi-Hat Dynamic Control

The core challenge is executing the subtle accents within the hi-hat pattern. Practice accenting the downbeats while keeping the unaccented notes soft, creating a clear dynamic contrast that drives the track's feel.

Learning Roadmap

Phase 1: Internalize the Core Verse Groove

Isolate the main verse rhythm, focusing on the continuous, sub-divided hi-hat hand pattern. Practice keeping a relaxed grip at a slower tempo, ensuring the snare backbeat sits squarely on beats two and four without disrupting your hand coordination.

Phase 2: Navigate Dynamic Chorus Shifts

Analyze how the energy elevates during the chorus sections. Practice moving from the tight, closed hi-hat texture to the more open, driving cymbal washes, maintaining consistent timing while smoothly increasing your overall volume and intensity.

Phase 3: Smooth Out Fill Transitions

Isolate the fills and transitions scattered between the musical sections. Focus on clean stick placement and precise timing, ensuring that your entry and exit from each fill do not cause the tempo to hesitate or drag.

Phase 4: Perform the Full Arrangement

Combine all phases and play along with the entire drum notation from start to finish. Focus on mental endurance and dynamic sensitivity, ensuring you support the acoustic framework of the song with absolute consistency throughout.

FAQ

Is High & Dry suitable for beginners?

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

Can I learn High & Dry if I’m not very confident reading drum notation?

It’s possible to learn High & Dry 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 High & Dry?

While some fills may require toms or cymbals, the core of High & Dry can be practiced on a smaller kit.

How will learning High & Dry improve my drumming skills?

By learning High & Dry, 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 High & Dry?

Before learning High & Dry, it helps to be comfortable with basic grooves, simple fills, and maintaining steady timing.