Drum Transcription for Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana
Learn the full drum part for Smells Like Teen Spirit
Here is the full drum transcription for Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana. This was the lead single and opening track from their second album ‘Nevermind’ in 1991. The song took the world by surprise and propelled the Nevermind album to the top of the charts in 1992. It is often seen as the catalyst which took grunge/alternative rock into the mainstream. Smells like Teen Spirit reached number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and went on to be Nirvana’s biggest hit.
Smells Like Teen Spirit is the best known Nirvana song and really epitomises everything that I love about the band. After the catchy guitar intro Dave Grohl launches in on the drums with one of the best loved drum intros of all time making powerful use of flams on the snare with bass drums and a hi-hat between. Grohl is so effective at creating rhythmic hooks and using powerful drums that work perfectly in their place instead of chops for the sake of ego boosting.
The drum part mainly consists of a funky rock chorus/guitar riff groove and then a very straight and subdued verse pattern. That contrast really helps to elevate the large choruses. We also have some really interesting fills at the end of the choruses to punctuate the guitar patterns so watch out for those.
Below we have the full notation for Smells Like Teen Spirit which allows you to download this drum chart and learn the song note for note. You might also like to grab the full notation for Come as You Are from the same album.
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