Try it for free

Get Unlimited Access to All Songs for 7 Days

Learn to play Free Fallin' on drums | by Tom Petty

Interactive Drum Sheet Music and Play-Along Tools

Technical details

Song name

Free Fallin'

Difficulty

BPM

Time Signature

Decade

Genre

,

Drummer name

Phil Jones

Version

Drum it
Download Drum Sheet
Browse more songs

About the drummer

Phil Jones is a respected session drummer who provided the perfect, understated foundation for Tom Petty’s massive hits. His work on "Free Fallin'" is a lesson in how to play with restraint and serve the song perfectly. He is a great study for anyone learning drums who wants to master the art of the ballad.

Drummer style

His style is minimalist and incredibly steady, focusing on a clean backbeat and a light touch. Playing drums like Phil involves maintaining a constant, breathing pulse without overplaying. This track is a favorite for beginner drum covers and is a cornerstone of drum lessons on rock balladry.

FAQ

Is Free Fallin' suitable for beginners?
Yes. Free Fallin' is beginner-friendly and helps you develop core drumming skills like keeping time, playing consistent grooves, and understanding song structure.
Can I learn Free Fallin' if I’m not very confident reading drum notation?
Yes — our interactive player makes it much easier. You can watch, listen, slow things down, and gradually get familiar with the notation as you play.
Do I need a full drum kit to play Free Fallin'?
No — you don’t need a full drum kit to play Free Fallin'. A basic setup (kick, snare, hi-hat) is enough to get started.
How will learning Free Fallin' improve my drumming skills?
Free Fallin' helps you develop a solid sense of groove and consistency. You’ll practice staying locked in with the beat while maintaining control over your dynamics.
What skills do I need before learning Free Fallin'?
Before learning Free Fallin', it helps to be comfortable with basic grooves, simple fills, and maintaining steady timing.

Technical details

Song name

Free Fallin'

Difficulty

Easy

BPM

80-89

Time Signature

4/4

Decade

1980's

Genre

Pop, Rock

Drummer name

Phil Jones

Version

Simplified

Learn to play

Plans:

$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

Start with 7-Day Trial

$15 / month

Billed at $15 per month

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

Related Songs

Simplified
Phil Collins

In the Air Tonight

Easy
Length: 2:10
drum icon Drum It
Original
Phil Collins

In the Air Tonight

Intermediate
Length: 2:10
drum icon Drum It
Simplified
Ghost (Band)

Square Hammer

Intermediate
Length: 3:57
drum icon Drum It
Load More
Pro Practice Feature

Still figuring this song out on your own?

Learn this drum cover faster with our interactive player:

  • Control audio channels separately
  • Slow it down & loop tricky parts
  • See the drum notation synced to the music & add metronome
Try if free for 7 days

Used by +1,000 drummers worldwide

close menu icon

Registr to start your Week Free Trial