Read from left to right
Each line represents a drum or cymbal
The top line is usually the hi-hat or ride cymbal
The middle lines are usually toms and snare
The bottom line is usually the bass drum
X usually means hit a cymbal or hi-hat
O usually means an open hi-hat
S or backbeat usually means snare
K or B usually means bass drum
Notes stacked vertically are played at the same time
Dashes show rests or time between hits
Repeated patterns show the groove
Numbers above the tab may show counts
Accents are marked with > or similar symbols
Parentheses may show ghost notes or softer hits
Bars are separated by vertical lines
Follow the time signature and tempo if shown