Black Hole Sun
Drum Sheet Music

Practice Soundgarden on Drums

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Two versions of the drum sheet - choose the one that fits your level and goals.

ORIGINAL VERSION

Difficulty Level:

Advanced

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

Purchase for only 1.90$

SIMPLIFIED VERSION

Difficulty Level:

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 Black Hole Sun

Slow Tempo Pocket Consistency
Odd Time Signature Navigation
Wide Dynamic Range Control
Linear Fill Execution Accuracy
Precision Rhythmic Subdivision Skills

Recommended For

This drum score is recommended for intermediate to advanced drummers aiming to master heavy pocket control and odd-time phrasing. It is perfect for rock players who want to sharpen their dynamic transitions, improve subdivision precision, and learn how to navigate complex time signature changes with total confidence.

Learn to play Black Hole Sun on drums

Play Black Hole Sun drum cover with our interactive drum sheet and synchronized media player. Follow every note in real time as the notation moves with the music, slow down the heavy, slow-tempo groove with tempo control, and isolate the drum track to hear every nuance of Matt Cameron’s precise sticking. You can use looping sections to practice the transitions into the complex odd-time bridge without losing your place. Whether you are building your deep-pocket timing consistency or mastering the sudden shifts into alternative meters, our advanced learning tools make mastering this alternative rock release faster and far more effective than practicing from a static printable drum sheet alone. Grab your sticks and dive into the groove today!

Song information

Artist: Soundgarden

Drummer: Matt Cameron

Album: Superunknown

Released: 1994

Sheet Music Details

Length

4 pages of highly readable, clean drum score layouts.

Tempo

100-109

Time Signature

4/4, 5/4

Key features

Features a slow, heavy rock pocket, deep dynamic shifts between verses and choruses, linear tom fills, and a complex transition into a 9/4 odd-time signature bridge requiring precise subdivision counting.

Song's Overview

Released in 1994 on Soundgarden's breakthrough album Superunknown, Black Hole Sun redefined the sonic landscape of alternative rock by blending psychedelic atmospheres with massive grunge weight. Built around a swirling, hypnotic guitar progression and haunting vocal melodies, the track stands out for its unique blend of dark beauty and heavy rhythmic power. For drummers, deciding to learn Black Hole Sun on drums offers a profound lesson in tension, dynamics, and restraint. Matt Cameron's drumming provides the indispensable backbone that grounds the song's ethereal textures. Rather than overcomplicating the slow, deliberate tempo, Cameron creates a massive sonic footprint by leaning heavily into the pocket, utilizing a thick snare sound and precise cymbal placement to drive the arrangement forward. The true challenge of this Black Hole Sun drum sheet lies in the bridge, where the time signature shifts unexpectedly from a standard 4/4 pulse into a complex 9/4 odd-time riff. Navigating these subtle metric changes while maintaining the track's heavy, laid-back feel requires exceptional concentration and subdivisions. Mastering a Black Hole Sun drum cover isn't just about playing the notes; it's about capturing the push and pull of the rhythm, making this piece an essential study in musicality for intermediate and advanced players alike.

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About the Drummer

Matt Cameron is the renowned drummer for both Soundgarden and Pearl Jam, known for his incredible versatility and power. His work on "Black Hole Sun" helped define the grunge era with its dark, psychedelic undertones and powerful rock foundation. He is often cited as a major influence for drummers in the alternative and hard rock scenes.

Drumming Style

His style features a mastery of heavy, driving rhythms and a unique ability to play comfortably in odd time signatures. Playing drums in the style of Matt Cameron requires precision, power, and a keen sense of song arrangement. His iconic parts are a staple in drum lessons for rock musicians and are a favorite for high-level drum covers.

Practice Advice

Subdivide at a Slower Tempo

The main groove moves at a slow, heavy pace. Start practicing with a metronome at 55 BPM, focusing on counting internal eighth-note subdivisions. This ensures your kick and snare placement remains perfectly aligned without rushing or dragging before reaching full speed.

Loop the Odd-Time Bridge

The bridge jumps from 4/4 into a 9/4 time signature. Use loop mode to repeat this specific section over and over. Isolating this transition helps your inner clock lock into the extra beats until the change feels completely natural and smooth.

Avoid Rushing the Backbeat

A frequent mistake when playing slow rock grooves is rushing the snare on beats two and four. Matt Cameron plays slightly behind the beat to create a massive pocket. Resist the urge to push forward and let the snare breathe.

Maintain Ride Bell Consistency

During the verse, the ride cymbal bell anchors the hypnotic pulse. Focus on striking the bell with the shoulder of the stick for a clear, piercing tone. Keep your physical velocity consistent to support the song’s atmospheric and moody dynamics.

Master the Heavy Snare Accents

The chorus demands powerful, deliberate execution with deep rimshots. Practice your dynamic control, shifting from the quiet, ghost-like textures of the verse to the explosive energy of the chorus. Ensure your strokes hit cleanly to replicate the track’s massive sonic weight.

Learning Roadmap

Phase 1: Lock in the Slow 4/4 Groove

Deconstruct the foundational verse pattern. Focus on keeping a steady eighth-note pulse while anchoring a heavy, laid-back kick and snare relationship. Practice slowly to ensure your timing doesn't waver during the spacious rests between beats.

Phase 2: Navigate the 9/4 Bridge Transitions

Analyze the sudden metric shift during the guitar solo and bridge. Practice counting the nine beats accurately, focusing on the syncopated bass drum placement and ride bell pattern until you can transition fluidly into and out of the odd meter.

Phase 3: Control the Wide Dynamic Swells

Work through the verse-to-chorus transformations. Practice building your physical intensity without altering the tempo, moving seamlessly from subtle hi-hat textures into massive, open-sounding chorus crashes and cracking snare rimshots that elevate the track's dramatic energy.

Phase 4: Execute Fills and Full Arrangement

Combine all individual parts into a cohesive performance. Focus on executing Matt Cameron's crisp, linear tom fills cleanly, ensuring you maintain rock-solid groove consistency and physical endurance from the opening ambient bars to the heavy fading outro.

FAQ

Is Black Hole Sun suitable for beginners?

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

Can I learn Black Hole Sun if I’m not very confident reading drum notation?

Black Hole Sun is more notation-heavy, but it’s also a great opportunity to improve your reading skills while learning it step by step.

Do I need a full drum kit to play Black Hole Sun?

While the original version uses a full kit, you can simplify parts and still learn the structure and feel of Black Hole Sun.

How will learning Black Hole Sun improve my drumming skills?

Black Hole Sun challenges you in a musical way, helping you improve not just technique, but also your ability to play with feel, structure, and confidence.

What skills do I need before learning Black Hole Sun?

While Black Hole Sun is more advanced, you can still approach it gradually and use it as a way to push your skills to the next level.