Title the drum chart. This helps keep your charts organized and makes switching between songs quick and easy.
Segment the song for which you are writing the chart into its basic pieces: intro, verse, chorus, bridge, solo and end. These pieces vary depending on the song. The purpose in segmenting is to create an overall picture of the song.
Write out the time signature and number of measures for the song. The time signature indicates how many and what type of notes each measure contains. A basic time signature is 4/4; four quarter notes per measure.
Sketch the basic drum pattern on the first two measures of your drum chart. Keep it simple by focusing on the bass drum and snare drum patterns. Write the word "same" in the following measures to indicate that you will follow the same pattern until otherwise noted. This keeps the chart uncluttered and easy to read while you play.
Write a note at the start of the chart to indicate what general groove to play on the cymbal. For example, "Swing 1/8ths hi-hat." You can mix it up as needed when playing, but this instruction gives you the general feel for the song.
Don't write out drum fills. Instead, write, "fill" and indicate how long the fill should last, using "-------" across the beats.