Two Princes

Two Princes
Drum Sheet Music

Practice Spin Doctors on Drums

Advanced

See How Drummer Tube Helps You Learn Songs Faster

Want access to all lessons?

View Plans >>

Learn to Play Two Princes 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:
Advanced
Sheet Preview
  • Exactly as played on the original recording
  • All fills & ghost notes
  • Full arrangement
SIMPLIFIED VERSION
Difficulty Level:
Intermediate
Sheet Preview
  • Easier to learn
  • Simplified fills
  • Reduced ghost notes
  • Perfect for beginners & intermediates

Not sure which version?

We recommend starting with the Simplified Version and moving to the Original Version once you're comfortable with the groove and structure.

Unlock all songs library and practice like a pro:

$10 / month

Billed at $120 per year

  • 7-day free trial
  • Full access to all songs
  • Interactive player
  • Downloadable drum sheets
  • Full support
  • Cancel anytime
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

$15 / month

Billed at $15 per month

  • Full access to all songs
  • Interactive player
  • Downloadable drum sheets
  • Full support
  • Cancel anytime

Drumming Techniques You'll Learn in Two Princes

  • Ghost Note Dynamic Articulation
  • Linear Drum Fill Precision
  • Syncopated Hi-Hat Bark Timing
  • Limb Independence and Coordination
  • Funk Rock Groove Consistency

Recommended For

This drum notation is recommended for intermediate to advanced drummers aiming to master ghost note articulation and linear fill transitions. It is highly beneficial for players looking to develop funk-rock limb independence, precise dynamic control, and the ability to maintain a highly syncopated pocket with absolute authority.

Learn to play Two Princes on drums

Play Two Princes 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 Aaron Comess's syncopated performance. Whether you're building confidence with ghost note patterns or refining your linear fill speed, our step-by-step learning tools make mastering this alternative rock groove faster, easier, and far more effective than practicing from a static PDF alone. Grab your sticks and unlock the groove today!

Song information

Artist: Spin Doctors

Drummer: Aaron Comess

Album: Pocket Full of Kryptonite

Released: 1991

Sheet Music Details

Length

3 pages of highly readable, clean drum score layouts.

Tempo

100-109

Time Signature

4/4

Key features

Features a highly syncopated funk-rock groove packed with intricate ghost notes, crisp open hi-hat accents, linear fill combinations, and precise dynamic control that challenges a drummer's hand-to-foot coordination and rimshot consistency.

Song's Overview

Released in 1991 on the Spin Doctors' album Pocket Full of Kryptonite, "Two Princes" remains a masterclass in combining alternative rock energy with funk-influenced drumming. The track stands out due to its highly syncopated rhythms, driving bassline, and an incredibly crisp snare sound that instantly grabs the listener's attention. For musicians looking to challenge their limb independence and articulation, this track provides an exceptional playground. For drummers, learning "Two Princes" on drums offers a profound lesson in how ghost notes and hi-hat barks can elevate a standard rock beat into something entirely unique. Aaron Comess's drumming avoids standard, repetitive patterns, opting instead for a fluid mix of rimshots, ghosted notes, and explosive linear fills. Using a detailed Two Princes drum sheet to dissect the intro roll and the subtle variations in the verse grooves will reveal how dynamics shape the song's energy. Practicing along with a precise drum cover helps you internalize the tight timing required to lock in with the bass player. By studying this Two Princes drum sheet, you will understand how to balance complex linear syncopation while maintaining a relentless, danceable pocket that defines the song's enduring appeal.

See How Drummer Tube Helps You Learn Songs Faster

Want access to all lessons?

View Plans >>

About the Drummer

Aaron Comess of Spin Doctors is known for songs like Two Princes. His drumming adds groove and personality to the music. If you want to learn to play this song on drums, his style is a great reference. His work is popular in drum cover lessons.

Drumming Style

Comess blends funk, rock, and groove seamlessly. His playing is rhythmic and expressive. When playing a drum cover, focus on groove and feel. His style is great for beginner drum lessons and groove development.

Practice Advice

01
Start Below Original Tempo
The main groove's ghost notes require strict articulation. Begin practicing with a metronome at 85 BPM before attempting the original 104 BPM speed. Use tempo control to lock in the kick-snare relationship without rushing.
02
Loop the Intro Fill
The opening linear fill requires perfect hand-to-foot coordination. Use looping sections to isolate these first two bars, focusing on clean snare accents and precise bass drum placement before transitioning smoothly into the main verse.
03
Avoid Overplaying Ghost Notes
A common mistake is playing the ghost notes too loudly, which buries the main backbeat. Keep your stick heights low for unaccented snare notes, ensuring a clear dynamic contrast between the ghost notes and heavy rimshots.
04
Lock the Hi-Hat Openings
Focus on the consistency of your open hi-hat barks during the chorus. Practice keeping your foot timing perfectly aligned with the syncopated snare hits to maintain a tight, driving alternative rock pocket throughout the entire arrangement.
05
Master Snare Drum Articulation
The defining element of this track is the crisp snare work. Focus on consistent rimshot placement on beats two and four while keeping your left hand relaxed during the rapid, syncopated ghosted internal subdivisions.

Learning Roadmap

Phase 1: Internalize the Syncopated Funk-Rock Groove

Isolate the main verse pattern, focusing on the placement of ghost notes around the backbeat. Practice slowly to ensure your hi-hat foot remains steady while your hands execute the syncopated snare subdivisions cleanly.

Phase 2: Unpack the Linear Intro and Fills

Break down the signature opening fill and the transitions between sections. Pay close attention to how the notes distribute linearly between the snare, toms, and kick, ensuring no overlapping hits disrupt the rhythmic clarity.

Phase 3: Refine Dynamic Interplay and Hi-Hat Barks

Work through the chorus sections where the hi-hat opens on syncopated upbeats. Practice controlling stick heights to emphasize the accented rimshots while keeping the surrounding ghost notes light, crisp, and perfectly balanced.

Phase 4: Build Endurance for the Full Arrangement

Combine all phases and play through the entire drum transcription from start to finish. Focus on maintaining groove consistency and high energy without letting your timing rush during the repetitive, driving outro sections.

FAQ

Is Two Princes suitable for beginners?
Two Princes is better suited for intermediate to advanced drummers. However, it can be a great long-term goal as your skills improve.
Can I learn Two Princes if I’m not very confident reading drum notation?
Two Princes 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 Two Princes?
While the original version uses a full kit, you can simplify parts and still learn the structure and feel of Two Princes.
How will learning Two Princes improve my drumming skills?
Learning Two Princes with an interactive player allows you to break the song into sections, slow it down, and truly understand every part — helping you improve faster and more efficiently.
What skills do I need before learning Two Princes?
To learn Two Princes, you’ll need solid timing, good coordination, and experience with more complex drum patterns.

Related songs

[dsv_preview_modal]
Pro Practice Feature

Still figuring this song out on your own?

Learn this drum cover faster with our interactive player:

Used by +1,000 drummers worldwide

Registr to start your Week Free Trial