Drum Sheet – The Beatles – Here Comes The Sun

“Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles is one of the most beloved songs from their 1969 album Abbey Road. Written by George Harrison, the song emerged during a time when he felt overwhelmed by business meetings and band tensions. Instead of attending another stressful Apple Corps meeting, Harrison escaped to Eric Clapton’s countryside home, where he picked up an acoustic guitar and composed the song in Clapton’s garden.

The track’s rhythmic complexity is one of its defining features, especially for a fan of the drums. Although Ringo Starr played drums on most Beatles songs, Here Comes the Sun features a distinct use of handclaps, Moog synthesizer, and intricate rhythmic changes that create a unique percussive feel. The song moves between 4/4, 2/4, and 3/8 time signatures, making it one of the band’s more rhythmically sophisticated pieces.

When The Beatles recorded the track in July-August 1969 at EMI Studios (Abbey Road Studios), Starr laid down the delicate drum work, using a light, crisp touch to complement the acoustic guitar. The handclaps and subtle percussive elements enhance the song’s uplifting mood, while Paul McCartney likely contributed additional rhythmic textures. The bridge section, with its tricky time signature shifts, required precise drumming to maintain the song’s flowing energy.

Notably, John Lennon did not play on Here Comes the Sun, as he was recovering from a car accident at the time. However, Harrison’s vision was so clear that the song still came together beautifully, with his warm vocal delivery, McCartney’s bass, and Starr’s nuanced drumming bringing it to life.

Although The Beatles never performed Here Comes the Sun live as a full band, the song became a staple of George Harrison’s solo performances. Some significant renditions include:
– The Concert for Bangladesh (1971) – Harrison performed it acoustically alongside Pete Ham from Badfinger.
– The Prince’s Trust Rock Gala (1987) – A rare live performance featuring Ringo Starr on drums.
– Paul McCartney’s 2004 Glastonbury performance – A heartfelt tribute to Harrison.

Today, Here Comes the Sun remains one of The Beatles‘ most-streamed songs, with Starr’s subtle yet effective drumming playing a crucial role in its timeless charm. His light touch and rhythmic precision add to the song’s breezy, joyful feel, making it a masterpiece of percussive restraint and musical warmth.