Think
Drum Sheet Music

Practice The Blues Brothers (Aretha Franklin) on Drums

Intermediate

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

ORIGINAL VERSION

Difficulty Level:

Intermediate

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

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SIMPLIFIED VERSION

Difficulty Level:

Easy

Easier to learn
Simplified fills
Reduced ghost notes
Perfect for beginners & intermediates

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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 Think

Developing Up-Tempo Hi-Hat Stamina
Executing Syncopated Horn Cymbal Catches
Locking Tight Bass-Snare Soul Pocket
Controlling Fast Dynamic Song Transitions
Maintaining Rhythmic Precision at Speed

Recommended For

This drum sheet is recommended for intermediate drummers looking to build up-tempo endurance, timing precision, and dynamic control. It is particularly valuable for players wanting to master authentic rhythm and blues drumming, sharpen their syncopated cymbal accents, and lock tightly within a high-energy rhythm section.

Learn to play Think on drums

Play Think drum cover with our interactive drum sheet and synchronized video player. Follow the synchronized drum notation in real time as Willie Hall drives the high-energy Memphis soul tempo, use tempo control to slow down rapid snare fills and horn punches, and practice looping sections to lock in the driving rhythm and blues groove. Utilizing isolated drums lets you clearly hear every kick placement, hi-hat dynamic, and syncopated brass accent without distraction. Learning this fast-paced track sharpens your up-tempo endurance, pocket precision, and dynamic brass coordination. Grab your drumsticks and master this energetic rhythm and blues standard today!

Song information

Artist: The Blues Brothers (Aretha Franklin)

Drummer: Steve Jordan

Album: The Blues Brothers: Original Soundtrack Recording

Released: 1980

Sheet Music Details

Length

3 pages of highly readable, clean drum score layouts.

Tempo

120-129

Time Signature

4/4

Key features

High-energy up-tempo soul groove, tight eighth-note hi-hat endurance, syncopated horn accents, dynamic crash cymbal catches, solid kick-snare coordination, concise fill transitions, and authentic Stax-style rhythm section pocket playing.

Song's Overview

Originally released in 1968, Aretha Franklin revitalized Think for the 1980 film The Blues Brothers, transforming the soul classic into a high-octane rhythm and blues tour de force. Driven by Stax veteran Willie Hall on drums alongside Donald "Duck" Dunn on bass, the 1980 arrangement ramps up the original tempo into an electrifying, fast-paced groove packed with sharp horn stabs and gospel-infused soul power. When you learn Think on drums, you dive into essential rhythm and blues drumming principles. The track demands an unrelenting eighth-note hi-hat pulse, crisp snare backbeats on beats two and four, and precise syncopation to catch the signature vocal hits and brass accents during the "Freedom" chorus. Maintaining this level of drive without rushing or losing dynamic contrast requires exceptional stick control and pocket stability. Working through a Think drum cover or studying an accurate Think drum sheet gives drummers direct insight into authentic soul rhythm section dynamics. It challenges you to lock in with syncopated basslines while keeping the energetic momentum steady, making it an essential study for drummers wanting to elevate their speed, endurance, and groove authority.

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About the Drummer

Steve Jordan is a Grammy-winning drummer, producer, and groove master best known for his work with the John Mayer Trio, The Rolling Stones, and Eric Clapton. With decades of elite studio and stage experience, his sound is a gold standard for musicians looking to improve their drum skills. Rather than relying on rapid chops, Jordan’s legendary reputation is built entirely on musical feel, dynamic control, and an unshakable internal clock. If your goal is to play better on drums, dissecting his work reveals why tone and timing matter more than speed. Tackling a classic Steve Jordan drum cover is one of the ultimate tests for any rhythm section player seeking deep pocket.

Drumming Style

Jordan’s signature style revolves around unmatched economy of motion, deep pocket, and a crisp, resonant snare pop that cuts through any mix. Instead of overplaying complex fills, he strips the beat down to its essentials, making his tracks an ideal study for anyone trying to improve their drum skills. His minimalist approach shows that the space between the notes often carries more weight than fast patterns, a vital concept to help you play better on drums. Jordan relies heavily on punchy bass drum phrasing, wide open dynamic shifts, and subtle hi-hat modulation to keep the groove breathing. Mastering a Steve Jordan drum cover will transform your timing, teaching you how to sit behind the beat and serve the song with authority.

Practice Advice

Start Below Full Speed

The song pushes an energetic tempo near 130 BPM. Begin practicing at 95-100 BPM to ensure clean limb coordination. Slower practice allows you to dial in the relationship between the driving hi-hat pattern and crisp snare backbeats before increasing the speed.

Loop the Chorus Accents

The signature "Freedom" chorus features tight stops and syncopated brass hits. Use loop mode to repeat these transitions continuously. Looping helps you internalize the exact rhythmic placements so you can strike the crashes cleanly and return seamlessly to the groove.

Avoid Rushing Horn Punches

A frequent mistake drummers make is pushing the tempo during explosive fills and horn section stabs. Focus on maintaining a steady internal metronome. Let the brass accents fall naturally into the pocket without accelerating the overall groove.

Lock with the Bassline

Willie Hall's groove locks tightly with Donald "Duck" Dunn's driving bassline. Focus on aligning your bass drum hits squarely with the root notes of the bass. This tight rhythmic connection establishes the heavy, authentic Memphis soul feel that anchors the song.

Master High-Tempo Hi-Hat Control

Sustaining continuous eighth notes on the hi-hat at brisk tempos can cause forearm fatigue. Practice using relaxed wrist motion and dynamic finger control. Accentuate the downbeats slightly to maintain momentum, conserving stamina across the entire arrangement without losing dynamic clarity.

Learning Roadmap

Phase 1: Establish the Driving Up-Tempo Groove

Isolate the primary verse rhythm at a manageable tempo. Focus on maintaining a steady eighth-note hi-hat pulse while locking the bass drum and snare on beats two and four. Practice with a metronome to build physical endurance and relaxation.

Phase 2: Nail the Syncopated Horn Punches

Work through the signature "Freedom" chorus and instrumental breaks. Break down each syncopated brass accent and crash cymbal strike, ensuring your hands return immediately to the hi-hat and snare groove without stuttering or altering the tempo.

Phase 3: Execute Dynamic Transitions and Fills

Focus on navigating the section transitions and key modulations throughout the arrangement. Practice executing concise snare fills and cymbal catches cleanly, ensuring seamless volume shifts between the vocal verses and full-band explosive choruses.

Phase 4: Perform the Full High-Energy Arrangement

Play through the complete track from start to finish alongside the backing music. Concentrate on maintaining unwavering tempo stability, balanced kit dynamics, and the authentic Southern soul pocket required to drive this classic performance with confidence.