Roxanne
Drum Sheet Music

Practice The Police on Drums

Easy to 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 to Advanced

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

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SIMPLIFIED VERSION

Difficulty Level:

Easy to Intermediate

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 Roxanne

Reggae-Rock Hybrid Groove Consistency
Snare Cross-Stick Phrasing Precision
Dynamic Verse-to-Chorus Transition Control
Syncopated Hi-Hat Accent Independence
High-Tension Rhythmic Pocket Endurance

Recommended For

This drum sheet is recommended for intermediate drummers seeking to master syncopated reggae-rock fusion and cross-stick precision. It is highly valuable for players wanting to develop hi-hat independence and dynamic control, while learning to transition smoothly between sparse world rhythms and high-energy rock grooves with absolute timing stability.

Learn to play Roxanne on drums

Play Roxanne 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 Stewart Copeland's unique reggae-infused rock pulse with tempo control, loop difficult syncopated sections until they feel natural, and isolate the drum track to hear every detail of the performance. Whether you are aiming to learn drums through hybrid world-rock patterns or refining your crisp hi-hat accent placement, our step-by-step learning tools make mastering this song faster, easier, and far more effective than practicing from a static PDF alone. Grab your drumsticks, open your printable drum sheet, and unlock this groove today!

Song information

Artist: The Police

Drummer: Stewart Copeland

Album: Outlandos d'Amour

Released: 1978

Sheet Music Details

Length

3 pages of highly readable, clean drum score layouts.

Tempo

130-139

Time Signature

4/4

Key features

Features a distinct reggae-rock hybrid pulse, precise snare cross-stick patterns, energetic open hi-hat washes, explosive chorus transitions, and highly syncopated accents requiring advanced limb independence and sharp dynamic control.

Song's Overview

Released in 1978 on The Police's debut album Outlandos d'Amour, Roxanne redefined the rhythmic boundaries of alternative rock by seamlessly marrying Jamaican reggae and ska elements with raw post-punk energy. The song relies heavily on its unique syncopated structure to establish tension, moving away from conventional straight-eight rock patterns. For musicians who want to learn Roxanne on drums, the performance presents an incredible case study in rhythmic displacement and high-tension hi-hat work. Stewart Copeland's drumming drives the arrangement with an atypical hybrid pattern, placing a steady bass drum note on beat one while emphasizing a sharp cross-stick on beat two, backed by rapid, syncopated eighth-note hi-hat accents. This Roxanne drum cover teaches players how to combine two completely different genres without losing the central pocket. Decades later, working through an authentic Roxanne drum sheet remains vital for expanding a player's vocabulary. The song demonstrates how subtle dynamic shifts and rapid hand-to-foot coordination can elevate a three-piece band arrangement. Dissecting the track with a professional drum sheet helps intermediate players master advanced syncopation and accent independent rhythms, showing that innovative phrasing can turn a simple harmonic progression into an impactful piece of drumming history.

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About the Drummer

Stewart Copeland is the drummer for The Police and a pioneer of reggae-infused rock drumming. He is a primary subject in many drum lessons due to his incredible hi-hat work and syncopated style. His use of effects and world-music influences changed modern drumming.

Drumming Style

His style is fast, intricate, and heavily reliant on the hi-hat and splash cymbals. Playing drums like Copeland requires advanced coordination and a lighter touch. His songs are favorite subjects for technical drum covers and are vital for those learning drums in the New Wave style.

Practice Advice

Start Below Full Speed

The song's intricate reggae-rock hybrid patterns require strict accuracy. Begin practicing the verse pattern at 100 BPM before moving up to the original 134 BPM. Focus on clean stick alignment rather than speed to establish a solid rhythmic foundation.

Loop the Chorus Transitions

The abrupt shift from the tight, reggae-influenced verse to the explosive, driving punk-rock chorus demands excellent control. Use loop mode to isolate these transition measures, practicing them until the sudden dynamic leap feels smooth and unhurried.

Avoid Rushing the Backbeat

A frequent mistake when playing this groove is rushing the syncopated hi-hat accents and snare hits. Keep your internal clock steady, resist the urge to push ahead, and let the space between the notes settle naturally into the pocket.

Lock the Bass Drum Pulse

Improve your timing consistency by anchoring your foot firmly to the downbeats. The verse pattern relies on a steady bass drum foundation while your hands execute complex syncopations, so use a metronome to prevent any rhythmic shifting.

Master Cross-Stick Dynamic Control

The verses demand a clear, woody cross-stick accent on beat two. Practice finding the ideal striking angle on your snare rim, ensuring your rim clicks remain tonally consistent and clean without overpowering the delicate hi-hat subdivisions.

Learning Roadmap

Phase 1: Solidify the Reggae-Rock Verse Groove

Isolate the primary verse pattern by studying the drum notation. Focus on keeping a steady bass drum hit on the downbeats while coordinating the tight eighth-note hi-hat pulse and sharp cross-stick accents. Practice slowly to build foundational limb independence.

Phase 2: Master the Explosive Chorus Transition

Analyze the dramatic dynamic shift where the rhythm moves from a sparse world-beat texture into an aggressive rock beat. Practice entering this section smoothly, opening up your hi-hat washes and landing heavy snare backbeats precisely on time.

Phase 3: Coordinate Complex Syncopated Accents

Work through the syncopated crash placements and rapid hi-hat barks scattered throughout the song structure. Practice executing these phrases at a reduced tempo, ensuring your limbs strike cleanly in unison without any accidental flaming or dragging.

Phase 4: Perform the Full Arrangement Confidently

Combine all sections to play through the entire drum transcription from start to finish. Focus on maintaining your physical endurance, timing precision, and structural restraint across the distinct dynamic changes up to the final hit.

FAQ

Is Roxanne suitable for beginners?

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

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

Roxanne 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 Roxanne?

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

How will learning Roxanne improve my drumming skills?

Learning Roxanne 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 Roxanne?

To learn Roxanne, you’ll need solid timing, good coordination, and experience with more complex drum patterns.