Otherside
Drum Sheet Music

Practice Red Hot Chili Peppers on Drums

Intermediate to Advanced

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Choose your Drum Sheet Version

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 Otherside

Ghost Note Dynamic Control
Alternative Rock Pocket Consistency
Verse to Chorus Transitions
Limb Independence and Balance
Hi Hat Accent Precision

Recommended For

This drum sheet is recommended for intermediate drummers wanting to develop subtle ghost notes and rock pocket control. It is highly beneficial for players looking to master alternative rock drumming dynamics, specifically learning how to transition smoothly between sparse verses and explosive choruses with absolute timing precision.

Learn to play Otherside on drums

Play Otherside drum cover with our interactive drum sheet and synchronized video player. Follow Chad Smith's distinct syncopated grooves in real time as the notation moves with the track. Slow down the dense chorus patterns using tempo control, loop tricky dynamic transitions between verses and choruses until they feel second nature, and isolate the drum track to distinguish every ghost note and hi-hat nuance. Learning this arrangement will sharpen your pocket control and precision on the backbeat. Our step-by-step learning tools make mastering this alternative rock groove faster and more intuitive than a static PDF alone. Let’s grab your sticks and build your rock foundation today!

Song information

Artist: Red Hot Chili Peppers

Drummer: Chad Smith

Album: Californication

Released: 1999

Sheet Music Details

Length

3 pages of highly readable, clean drum score layouts.

Tempo

120-129

Time Signature

4/4

Key features

Features syncopated bass drum placement, detailed ghost note notation, dynamic transitions between sparse verses and explosive rock choruses, and precise hi-hat accents that define this alternative rock groove.

Song's Overview

Released on the Red Hot Chili Peppers' 1999 album Californication, Otherside represents a masterclass in modern alternative rock arrangement. The song is driven by a stark, melancholic bassline and skeletal guitar phrases, which requires a highly specific approach to drumming. Instead of filling the empty spaces with complex polyrhythms, Chad Smith utilizes restraint, allowing the haunting emotional depth of the track to breathe while anchoring the band with undeniable weight. For musicians who want to learn Otherside on drums, the piece offers an essential lesson in dynamics and ghost notes. The verses rely on a spacious hi-hat pattern paired with syncopated snare placements that require a relaxed, yet steady touch. When the chorus hits, the energy shifts dramatically, forcing you to step up your power without rushing the tempo. Analyzing an Otherside drum cover reveals how alternating between loose hi-hat accents and sharp rimshots can transform a straightforward rock beat into a dynamic rhythmic framework. Studying this drum sheet will challenge you to maintain absolute timing consistency while navigating these crucial sonic shifts. Ultimately, this composition shows that what you choose not to play is just as important as the notes you execute.

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About the Drummer

Chad Smith is the powerhouse drummer for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, known for his blend of funk and heavy rock. He is a favorite among those learning drums for his energetic personality and stadium-sized sound. He is a true modern icon and a Hall of Fame musician.

Drumming Style

His style is funky, loud, and incredibly groove-oriented, emphasizing a strong kick drum and a solid backbeat. Playing drums in Smith's style requires physical power and a solid sense of syncopation. His songs are excellent for energetic drum covers and are often used in drum lessons.

Practice Advice

Start Below Full Speed

The steady alternative rock groove requires impeccable timing. Begin practicing at 90 BPM using tempo control before jumping into the original track speed. Emphasize a clean, centered snare backbeat and an even hi-hat pulse to establish your foundational stability.

Loop the Verse Grooves

The verse features subtle syncopated snare ghost notes that require exceptional limb independence. Isolate these sections in a loop and play them slowly. Repeating these bars ensures your ghost notes remain quiet and distinct without disrupting the steady bass drum pattern.

Avoid Rushing the Chorus

A common mistake when learning this track is pushing the tempo when the chorus kicks in. The dramatic dynamic shift often causes drummers to rush. Keep your physical movements controlled and anchor your foot firmly to the pulse.

Lock in with the Bass

To capture Chad Smith's distinct pocket, focus your listening entirely on Flea's bassline. Ensure your bass drum hits perfectly synchronize with the bass guitar accents. Developing this tight alignment is key to achieving a deep, driving rhythm.

Master the Crash Accents

The song utilizes well-placed crash choke and open cymbal accents during transitions. Practice these patterns with a metronome to avoid losing balance when striking the cymbals, ensuring you return immediately to the main groove with full confidence.

Learning Roadmap

Phase 1: Establish the Main Verse Pocket

Isolate the sparse verse pattern. Focus on hitting clean bass drum notes on beats one and three, while keeping your hi-hat hand relaxed. Ensure the foundation is perfectly steady before introducing any additional syncopation.

Phase 2: Integrate Snare Ghost Notes

Slowly incorporate the faint ghost notes between the primary backbeats. Pay close attention to stick height control, making sure your accents are loud and your ghost notes remain whispered, capturing the authentic feel of the track.

Phase 3: Smooth Out Dynamic Transitions

Practice moving from the low-volume verse into the explosive, heavy-hitting chorus. Work on driving your cymbals with more energy without accidentally accelerating the tempo during this sudden emotional and sonic shift.

Phase 4: Build Endurance for Full Playthrough

Combine all sections from the opening count-in to the final decaying note. Play along with the full song, focusing on maintaining consistency across several minutes without letting your groove or posture deteriorate.