ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Drum tablature

Drum tablature is like a map or a code that helps drummers play a song. Just like how you use a map to find your way around a new place, drummers use drum tablature to know which part of the drum kit to hit for each beat in the song.

Each part of the drum kit, like the snare or the cymbal, has a different sound. And in drum tablature, each part is represented by a different symbol. For example, a circle might mean the snare and a triangle might mean the bass drum.

Drum tablature also shows the order in which the different parts of the drum kit should be played for each beat in the song. The beats are usually written on a horizontal line from left to right, and the symbols for each drum part are placed on top of the line at the time they should be played.

So, if a circle is placed above the line on the third beat, it means that the drummer should hit the snare on the third beat of the song. And if a triangle is placed above the line on the first and third beats, it means that the drummer should hit the bass drum on both the first and third beats.

Drum tablature is important because it helps drummers learn how to play songs they haven't heard before or how to play their favorite songs more accurately by following the beat and rhythm of the song.