Chop Suey
Drum Sheet Music

Practice System Of A Down 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 Chop Suey

Syncopated Tom Groove Coordination
Mastering High-Speed Dynamic Control
Precision Cymbal Choking Techniques
Rapid Section Transition Mechanics
Alternative Metal Rhythmic Endurance

Recommended For

This printable drum sheet is highly recommended for intermediate to advanced players aiming to master high-velocity syncopation and rapid dynamic shifts. It is perfect for drummers looking to build alternative metal vocabulary, develop creative tom-heavy grooves, and improve physical endurance during unpredictable rhythmic transitions.

Learn to play Chop Suey on drums

Play Chop Suey! drum cover with our interactive drum sheet and synchronized player. Follow every note in real time as the drum notation moves with the music. Slow down syncopated tom grooves using tempo control, and isolate the drums to dissect John Dolmayan's precise stick work. By looping sections that challenge your coordination, you can master rapid transitions between aggressive verses and melodic choruses far more effectively than with static drum tabs or a traditional printable drum sheet. Whether you are developing high-speed independence or tightening precision under pressure, this interactive drum sheet makes mastering the track faster and more effective. Grab your sticks and start practicing today!

Song information

Artist: System Of A Down

Drummer: John Dolmayan

Album: Toxicity

Released: 2001

Sheet Music Details

Length

4 pages of highly readable, clean drum score layouts.

Tempo

120-129

Time Signature

4/4

Key features

Features intricate, high-speed tom rolls, rapid syncopated cymbal chokes, precise hi-hat barks, and dramatic dynamic shifts that require exceptional hand-to-foot coordination and rock drumming endurance.

Song's Overview

Released in 2001 on System of a Down's breakthrough album Toxicity, Chop Suey! fundamentally altered the landscape of alternative metal with its erratic structure and stark contrast between frantic energy and operatic melody. For anyone looking to learn drums, the track serves as a masterclass in creative arrangement and rhythmic intensity. John Dolmayan’s drumming avoids standard time-keeping clichés, opting instead for highly syncopated tribal tom patterns and sudden, explosive bursts that match the song's chaotic vocal delivery. When you learn chop suey! on drums, you immediately confront the challenge of rapid dynamic shifts. The verses require absolute precision and high-velocity endurance, driven by an intricate hi-hat and snare dialogue. Conversely, the melodic chorus demands a heavy, open groove that grounds the track's emotional peak. Practicing with an accurate chop suey! drum sheet reveals how these distinct sections fit together seamlessly without losing momentum. This serves as an essential drum lesson in alternative metal, illustrating how a drummer can inject personality into heavy music using clever accents. Working through a chop suey! drum cover gives players a profound appreciation for creative phrasing and tight rhythmic control.

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About the Drummer

John Dolmayan is the drummer for System of a Down, recognized for his incredibly fast and technical approach to metal. He has a unique ability to weave intricate, non-traditional rhythms into heavy alternative metal tracks. He is a primary influence for drummers looking to push the boundaries of the genre.

Drumming Style

Dolmayan’s style is known for rapid-fire fills, syncopated hi-hat work, and a very "dry," punchy snare sound. Playing drums like John requires exceptional coordination and speed. His work is frequently used in drum lessons as a challenge for students learning drums in the metal style.

Practice Advice

Slow Down the Tom Grooves

The opening tribal tom pattern requires complex limb coordination. Start practicing at 70% of the original tempo using tempo control. Focus on clean accent placement between your hands and bass drum before gradually accelerating to full speed.

Loop the Verse Transitions

The sudden shifts from frantic acoustic strumming to heavy, distorted hits can disrupt your timing. Use looping sections to repeatedly practice entering and exiting the verses, ensuring your stick height and intensity change instantly without dragging.

Avoid Rushing the Choruses

A common mistake when learning this drum score is rushing into the wide-open chorus groove due to pure adrenaline. Fight the urge to speed up; maintain a deep, locked-in pocket to give the melody room to breathe.

Lock Your Left Foot

To keep your timing flawless during the chaotic sections, maintain a solid quarter-note pulse with your left foot on the hi-hat pedal where possible. This internal metronome keeps your syncopated snare and tom hits anchored.

Master the Syncopated Accents

The song relies heavily on rapid, unexpected accents on the crash cymbals and china. Practice isolating this drum transcription slowly, ensuring your bass drum aligns perfectly with every strike to maximize the rhythmic impact.

Learning Roadmap

Phase 1: Deconstruct the Tribal Tom Patterns

Isolate the signature intro and verse patterns. Focus on the alternating sticking between the rack toms and floor tom while keeping the bass drum steady underneath. Practice slowly to build the required muscle memory and tracking.

Phase 2: Navigate High-Speed Dynamic Shifts

Work on the rapid transitions between the quiet acoustic interludes and the explosive metal sections. Practice controlling your stick height to instantly drop from loud, aggressive rimshots to soft, controlled hi-hat taps without losing the underlying pulse.

Phase 3: Solidify the Heavy Chorus Pocket

Shift your focus to the melodic chorus. Ensure your backbeat is heavy and centered, allowing the open hi-hat wash to create a massive wall of sound. Keep your timing relaxed but driving to support the soaring vocal lines.

Phase 4: Build Endurance for Full Performance

Combine all sections into a continuous play-through. Focus on maintaining high energy and physical endurance across the erratic changes, ensuring every sudden stop and cymbal choke hits cleanly from the explosive intro to the final dramatic chord.

FAQ

Is Chop Suey suitable for beginners?

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

Can I learn Chop Suey if I’m not very confident reading drum notation?

Chop Suey involves more complex patterns, so reading drum notation will make the learning process much easier and faster.

Do I need a full drum kit to play Chop Suey?

Yes — to fully play Chop Suey as recorded, a full drum kit is recommended due to the use of multiple toms and cymbals.

How will learning Chop Suey improve my drumming skills?

Chop Suey 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 Chop Suey?

Chop Suey requires control over dynamics, transitions, and more advanced techniques, so it’s best suited for intermediate to advanced drummers.