Toxicity
Drum Sheet Music

Practice System Of A Down on Drums

Upper Advanced

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

ORIGINAL VERSION

Difficulty Level:

Upper Advanced

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

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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 Toxicity

6/8 Time Signature Fluency
Syncopated Ghost Note Precision
Navigating Complex Metric Modulations
Rapid Linear Fill Execution
Dynamic Volume Control Consistency

Recommended For

This drum sheet is recommended for advanced intermediate metal drummers looking to master complex meter fluency and erratic syncopation. It is highly beneficial for players wanting to develop rapid linear fill transitions, ghost note precision, and the physical endurance necessary to drive intense, fast paced alternative rock arrangements with control.

Learn to play Toxicity on drums

Play Toxicity 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 the rapid 6/8 metric modulations with tempo control, loop difficult triplet fills until they feel natural, and isolate the drum track using our isolated drums feature to hear every ghost note of John Dolmayan’s precise performance. Whether you are expanding your metal vocabulary or mastering advanced syncopation, our comprehensive interactive drum sheet makes learning faster and more effective than working from a static PDF. Grab your sticks and unlock this heavy groove 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

70-79

Time Signature

12/8

Key features

Features a driving 6/8 groove accented by rapid 32nd-note tom fills, syncopated snare ghost notes, energetic ride bell patterns, and sudden dynamic shifts that challenge coordination and timing precision.

Song's Overview

Released in 2001 on the album of the same name, the track shifted the landscape of alternative metal by blending frantic, aggressive instrumentation with melodic vocal arrangements. The song is highly regarded among musicians for its unique rhythmic structure, which challenges standard rock conventions by relying heavily on a driving 6/8 meter rather than standard common time. For drummers, to learn Toxicity on drums requires a deep understanding of phrasing and rapid stylistic shifts. John Dolmayan’s drumming stands out due to his ability to maintain relentless energy while executing tight, syncopated ghost notes on the snare during the verses. Instead of relying on brute force, the performance creates tension through snappy, linear fills and precise ride bell punctuation that mirrors the guitar riffs. Mastering a Toxicity drum cover means navigating these sudden shifts in intensity and time signature variations flawlessly. Studying a precise Toxicity drum sheet helps players decode how the triplets are subdivided during the heavy transitions. Decades later, the song remains a definitive study in modern metal drumming, proving that technical precision and erratic rhythmic hooks can work together to create a cohesive, powerful performance.

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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

Start Below Full Speed

The song's intricate 6/8 grooves require absolute rhythmic precision. Begin practicing at a comfortable 80 BPM before working up to the original 117 BPM. Focus on clean kick and snare separation rather than rushing the speed.

Loop the Verse Transitions

Pay close attention to the shifts between the quiet verses and explosive choruses. Use loop mode to isolate these bars, ensuring you enter and exit the fast fills smoothly without disrupting the underlying flow of the rhythm.

Avoid Rushing the Backbeat

A common mistake is rushing the snare backbeat on beat four. John Dolmayan maintains a tight pocket despite the frantic guitar work. Keep your left hand grounded and let the groove breathe without adding unnecessary accents.

Lock into the Triple Pulse

Practice with a metronome set to a triplet subdivision to internalize the 6/8 feel. Focus on aligning your hi-hat notes perfectly with the click, establishing a rock-solid foundation across the shifting dynamic sections.

Master the Snare Ghost Notes

The verse groove relies on subtle, syncopated ghost notes between the primary backbeats. Practice this pattern slowly on a single surface, ensuring a high contrast in volume between your accents and the soft tap strokes.

Learning Roadmap

Phase 1: Internalize the Core 6/8 Groove

Isolate the primary verse rhythm on the hi-hat and snare. Focus on placing the bass drum precisely on beats one and six while integrating the soft snare ghost notes. Practice slowly to build the required muscle memory.

Phase 2: Navigate the Aggressive Chorus Shifts

Analyze the explosive transition into the chorus. Work on driving the groove with heavy crash accents and steady eighth-note pulses, keeping your timing perfectly steady as the arrangement shifts from melodic tension to high-energy metal.

Phase 3: Coordinate the Metric Modulations

Practice the intricate bridge section where the guitar riff modulates metrically. Mirror the syncopated rhythm using a combination of tight snare hits and bass drum kicks, ensuring your limbs stay synchronized during the rhythmic illusion.

Phase 4: Build Endurance for Full Performance

Combine all sections and play through the entire track. Focus on managing your physical energy during the fast 32nd-note fills and explosive ending breakdown, ensuring every accent hits with maximum control from start to finish.