Welcome to the Drum Chart Builder Support Center
Watch tutorials, read guides, and get answers fast ā right from your phone
Watch Tutorials
How to Make a Drum Chart
How to Make a setlist
How to Use the Pattern Editor
How to Share a Chart From the dashboard select the chart icon at the bottom of the page and open the chart library.Search the chart you would like to share and select the square icon in the chart card. This opens the share interface. Enter recipient email Enter the email of the person you would…
How to use the main Pages
Display Name: Use to add a name for your account
Login and logout and Delete your account
Appearance: Choose between Light or Dark Mode
Subscription: Your subscription length and expiration date. Here you can upgrade subscription, Restore subscriptions and Cancel subscriptions.
Cached Data: To remove cache from the app.
Application Settings:
Limit playback: Choose how many bars you would like the metronome to click. Your chooses are 1 bar, 2 bars, 4 bars or continued repeat.
Chart Font and be changed here.
Print Size adjusted here for pdf.
Legacy UserID: used only if your are using the Legacy Version of Drum Chart Builder. Add your account number here to migrate charts from your legacy account.
Your pattern library is located on the Patterns page. Select the icon Pattern that is in the bottom menu of the app.
Pattern Library Cards
You can edit and delete your pattern library from this pattern card. Selecting the blue icon to edit and the red trash icon to delete. Select the play icon to play patterns. Use the return icon to move curser to start the pattern from the beginning and select the circle icon to lock and repeat the pattern playback.
There are two library’s. Your own library of saved patterns from your charts and the preset library. When you scroll down the page, the preset library is located below your library titled Shared Library.
Search Your Library and Preset Library
Search your Patterns library by name or by time signature.
Add Patterns Directly From a Chart
You can also add patterns to your library from your charts. After you build a chart, you can add that pattern to your library directly by select the icon in the pattern editor on the top right to open the window after you build a pattern.
Use the popup window, Copy Pattern to Pattern Library to name and add your pattern to your library by selecting Ok.
Your Setlist Library and It’s Features
Search and Add a New Setlist
Search setlist library by band name and venue name. Select ADD SETLIST to build a new setlist.
Setlist Library Card Features
See band name and venue name.
See day, date and time of your performance.
Use the setlist card to View Setlist (eye icon), Edit (pencil icon), Duplicate (multiple image icon), Delete (trash can icon).
Your Chart Library and its Features
Search and Add a Chart
Search chart library by name and artist name. Select ADD CHART to build a new chart.
Chart Library Card Features
See chart name, band name and the name of the user who built the chart.
See feel, time signature and BPM of the chart
Use the chart card to View Chart (eye icon), Edit (pencil icon), Select as Favorite (start icon), Duplicate (multiple image icon), Delete (trash can icon) and Share a chart (square and arrow icon).
Your Dashboard
Keep organized and see your upcoming gigs, favorite charts, recent charts edited and your shared charts,( this feature is available with a Pro Account). Go to the account page to change from Light Mode to Dark Mode
Upcoming Gigs
This category is automatically chooses the setlists from the date of your up and coming performances
Favorite Charts
By choosing the Star icon in the chart card in the Drum Chart Library page, these charts will show up here on the dashboard.
Recent Charts
This catagory will show the charts you 3 recent charts that you have worked on.
Shared Charts
This catagory will keep you aware of the charts you have shared or charts that have been shared with you from other drummers and students.
Menu Bar
This is the main menu bar to choose which page you would like to see or close.
Dashboard icon will open the main starting page
Charts icon will open your chart library
Setlists icon will open your performance song lists
Patterns icon will open your library of drum pattern and the Shared Preset Drum Pattern library
Account icon will open your account page
Tools in the Drum Charting Editor
Tempo and Time Signature Changes
You can change and add time signature changes and tempo changes to your chart.
Select the bars bock to open a time signature and tempo dropdown menu.
Select how many bars there will be in that song form.
Choose the Time line to open and choose the time signature change.
If the tempo changes add that number in the Start Tempo.
If the tempo goes back to the original tempo in the song leave this line blank.
If the tempo changes in the next block add that tempo in the End Tempo line.
To start the click,
select the Music Treble Clef sign
The Music Treble Clef Sign will turn into a clock when activated.
Choose the Return Arrow to restart the click.
The 3 tier blocks is an organized way to start mapping out your song form while listening to the song you are about to chart.
While listening to your song, use the quick dropdown menus in each block to map out your song.
Select top Song Form block to open a quick dropdown menu of song form categories.
Choose the right song form from the list to add it to the song form block as you listen to your song in real time.
Select the middle Bars block to open a dropdown menu of listed numbers to hep you keep track of the bars numbers as you listen to the song in real time.
Use the Drum Instruction block to add anything you need to know to play that song form such as fills, accents and notation.
Using Insert Figure Library
Choose from notation, rests and symbols to add to your chart. Make it simple and easy to read.
Chart Editing Popup Box
Select the blue triangle in the corner of each block, to open the drum editor tool box. Use these tools to cut, delete, paste and move blocks in your chart.
>Scissor Icon- cut a block
>Plus – Add a block to the left
>Arrow Left-Move block left
>Clip Board-Paste to the left
>Left Turn Arrow- Move multiple blocks down
>Double Image-Copy block
>Up Arrow- Move block up
>Trash icon-Delete block
>Arrow Down-Move block down
>Right Turn Arrow-Move multiple blocks up
>Plus – Add a block to the right
>Arrow Right- Move block to right
>Clip Board-Paste to the right
>Green Check Marks- Close tool box
Main Menu
The main menu is located at the top of every drum chart.
- Headphone Icon– add music link
- Arrow Keys-Undo Redo
- 3 Block Edit Icons-Add a 3 tier block, delete a 3 tier block and add a new 3 tier block row
- Magnify Glass Plus-Zoom Out
- Magnify Glass Minus-Zoom In
- Eye Icon-To sees chart in View Mode and to Print to PDF.
Drum Chart Information Header
The drum chart information header is where you can add all song information for easy assess.
Keeping this information consistent. When returning to a chart months later, you will have an easy time remembering the song.
Chart Name
Enter the chart name here, by selecting the field line.
Band Name
Enter Band Name or Artist name here by selecting the field line.
Time
Select the Time insert line to open the Time Signature dropdown menu.
Scroll down the dropdown list and select the correct time signature of your song to insert it into your chart.
Tempo
Use the text line to add your own tempo of your song or use the metronome tap button. Select the metronome icon to open the control dropdown. Select the circle icon and tap out your tempo as you listen to your song.
The Metronome Controls Dropdown Menu
Select the metronome icon to open the control menu.
- The first button is for starting and stoping the metronome.
- Starts the auto click track that follows your time signature and tempo
- Third turns off click so you can see the light only
- Plus increase the metronome speed
- Tap out your tempo using your mouse or space bar on a computer. On an iPad or Tablet, use your finger to tap out the tempo.
- Minus decreases the metronome speed.
Feel
Use this field to select the feel of your song from the dropdown menu.
Scroll down the list and select the correct feel.
Straight– song has a rock feel- Snare drum on beats 2 &4
Shuffle– song has a triplet feel
3/4– song has a waltz feel- Snare drum on beats 3 or 2 & 3
6/8– song has a feel in 6 with the snare played on beat 4
12/8 – Song has a blues feel- Snare drum on beats 2 & 4
Genre
Use this field to select the genre of your song such as Rock or Pop
Scroll down the list and select the genre of your song.
Start
Use this field to select what you hear when the song starts.
In other words, who starts the song?
Choose the correct start. This could be a drum start or a guitar pickup.
Footer Hide and Show
To hide or show features on the chart page, select the round blue icon at the bottom of your chart.
This opens a dropdown menu.
Hide or show the Start Field by selecting the Flag Icon. By removing the start field, it will help to give you more room on your chart.
Hide or show the Sticks Field by selecting the Sticks Icon. Add this field when you would like to add the style of sticks you will need to play the song. Hide this field to make more room on your chart.
Hide or show the Bar Labels (Song Form, Bars, Drum Instruction Block) when you feel you do not need it any longer or to make more room on your chart.
How to Tap the Tempo on a Laptop, iPad or Tablet
In your new chart, select the metronome icon to open the control dropdown menu.
The play button starts and stops the metronome click and the blinking light in the header of your chart. You can also click on the chart header to start and stop the metronome.
The icon with the circles is the tap button. When building a chart on your computer you can use your mouse to tap the tempo or use the space bar on your keyboard .Ā
I found the mouse to be very accurate.
On an iPad or tablet, you can tap out the tempo with your finger using the tap icon. You can also tap the chart header to turn the metronome on and off.
To determine the tempo of your song,
Start your song player and start taping out the tempo.
Once you get as close as you can, select the play icon to start the metronome in tempo with the song to see if it matches.
Select the + key to increase the tempo or the – key to decrease the tempo.
Working with both keys and the play key until the metronome click sync’s with your song.
Limit Playback Bars on the Account Page
On the accounts page of the app, you can control
how many bars that you want the metronome to start and stop.
Under Application Settings you will see Limit Playback Bars.
Here you can choose Repeat to have the metronome click continuously
Or choose 1, 2 or 4 to have the metronome click for one bar, two bars or 4 bars only than stop.
NEW FEATURES AND UPDATES
Introducing the Drag & Drop Pattern Editor
Making pro-level drum charts just got ridiculously easy.
The new Drag & Drop Pattern Editor lets you build, shape, and customize your grooves in secondsāno friction, no guesswork. Then place the pattern where you want it to be.
Hereās how to use it to make your charts their absolute best:
Drag. Drop. Done.
Start by choosing a groove that matches the vibe of your song from the library. Instantly lay down a solid foundation without slowing your flow.
Fine-Tune the Feel
Move hits around with total controlāadjust your kick, snare, and hi-hats until the groove feels just right.
Work Faster Than Ever
No more rebuilding patterns from scratch. Choose, adjust, repeatāitās that simple.
Make It Stage-Ready
Clean, visual patterns mean you can read your chart instantly in rehearsal or on stageāno second guessing.
š§ Play It Back & Lock It In
Preview your patterns and refine until everything feels tight and musical.
Bottom line: the Drag & Drop Pattern Editor helps you create cleaner charts, fasterāand play with more confidence.
Go build your best chart yet.
šØ New Feature Drop: Simple Pattern Editor šØ
Your drum charts just leveled up.
The new Simple Pattern Editor is designed to make chart creation faster, cleaner, and way more musicalāwhether youāre prepping for rehearsal or a live gig.
Hereās how to use it to make your charts their absolute best:
š„ Start Simple
Create a basic groove that matches the feel of the song. Donāt overthink itālock in the foundation first.
Choose any pattern from the library and make it a simple pattern. You can choose simple from library and any pattern you choose turns into a simple pattern.
šÆ Dial in the Details
Use the editor to quickly adjust kick, snare, and hi-hat placements. Tightening these core elements instantly makes your chart more playable and accurate.
š Build Sections Fast
Duplicate patterns for verses, choruses, and bridges. Then tweak them slightly to reflect dynamics and variationsāno need to start from scratch every time.
šØ Keep It Clean & Visual
The simplicity of the editor helps you avoid clutter. Clear patterns = faster reads on stage.
ā” Play It Back & Refine
Preview your patterns as you go. If it feels good, it is good.
Bottom line: the Simple Pattern Editor helps you create charts that are quicker to build, easier to read, and better to play.
Go try it now and hear the difference. š„š„
š Big Update Drop! š
Weāve been listening to your feedback, and weāre excited to announce a major update to the Drum Chart Builder App ā packed with powerful new customization tools and usability upgrades that make your charting and performing experience better than ever! š„
Hereās whatās new in this release:
āØ New Chart Template Features
- 14 New Global Fonts ā Choose from a variety of clean, bold, and stylish fonts for your charts and setlists.
- Text Colors ā Add color to your Song Form Titles and Drum Instruction Blocks for easier reading and creative expression.
- Text Size Controls ā Adjust text sizes for Song Form Titles, Notation, and Lyrics to make your charts fit your visual style and performance needs.
š§ Enhanced Chart Customization
- Choose from 14 fonts for both charts and setlists.
- Change the color and size of Song Form Titles for better visibility.
- Customize the text color, size, and notation in the Drum Instruction Block.
- Adjust lyric text color and size for even more flexibility and readability.
āļø Improved Interface & Workflow
- New Support Button on the Account page ā instantly access tutorials, videos, and contact info.
- Artist Name and User Name are now larger on the Chart Card for quick identification.
- Song Form Popup now opens below the blocks, keeping your workspace clear.
- Pattern Library Window is now larger, so you scroll less and create more.
- Venue Name on the Setlist Card is now larger and appears above the Band Name ā making it easier to spot your next gig.
- Global Hide/Show Bar Line Labels (Song Form, Bars, Drum Instruction) lets you free up space for a cleaner layout.
- Custom āOtherā Text Field ā add more detail to your Start, Feel, Genre, and Sticks fields.
- Save and Print PDFs directly from your iPad ā no extra steps, no fuss.
š” This update gives you more creative freedom, better visibility, and faster workflow from rehearsal to stage.
š Update your Drum Chart Builder app today and start creating colorful, customized, professional drum charts designed your way!
Tempo and Time Signature Changes
You can change and add time signature changes and tempo changes to your chart.
Select the bars bock to open a time signature and tempo dropdown menu.
Select how many bars there will be in that song form.
Choose the Time line to open and choose the time signature change.
If the tempo changes add that number in the Start Tempo.
If the tempo goes back to the original tempo in the song leave this line blank.
If the tempo changes in the next block add that tempo in the End Tempo line.
To start the click,
select the Music Treble Clef sign
The Music Treble Clef Sign will turn into a clock when activated.
Choose the Return Arrow to restart the click.
Quick Tips
Check out this simple article I wrote for Drumming News Network.
Learn the simple way to build a chart.
Here is a time saver on how to build a setlist in order using the Drum Chart Builder App. Now there are less steps needed to build a setlist and its faster too.
Welcome!
Try this way to hear the groove and the pickup so you can count the band in when the drums start and you have to count in and play a pickup.
Add the number count in text into the first block in your chart. Notate the drum fill in the first drum instruction line or add the word Fill. In this example I have used the count 1-2-3 then notated the correct fill I wanted to play to cue the band in to start the song.
The pattern editor has multiple instruments to choose from so use those sounds to create your fill and notate the song pattern and add the pickup fill to that pattern.
In the performance mode, tap the pattern to hear the feel and the pickup so you can accurately count the band in and play the correct fill and feel.
Print Your Charts.
Make An Artist or Band Drum Chart Songbook
Check out This Video
Learn how Debbie Flood, Nashville Drummer uses
Drum Chart Builder for her charts.
How many bands are you in? Do you have to learn 25 or more charts?
Try printing all your charts.
Take your charts to an office supply store and have them bind them together into a songbook with a spiral binding.
If your bands and artists change sets all the time, just print the charts on 3 hole paper and put them in a three ring binder.
This way you can change the order of your charts. Label the binder with the artist or band name.
Another great tip is to use dividers to separate your sets. Label each divider with a a set number.
I use them when a chart is not available and I recommend that to all drummers.
Eddy Anderson Talking About Using The Nashville Number System
Which System Works Well For You?
I have been living in Nashville since 1994 and I learned how to read the Nashville Number system because no one ever handed me a drum chart.
This year, as I was working on The Merlin Gene Show, RFD TV, I got a chance to talk to the Eddy Anderson who is the drummer for the TV show filmed here at the Troubadour in Nashville, TN.
I work with the production company that puts the show together and I do the tele-prompting during the shoot and post production music video editing for the show to prepare it for broadcasting.
I thought all of you might be interested to hear how he plays the show so I asked him to show me his charts and talk about how he reads them.
Here is a video of Eddy Anderson talking to me at our lunch break about his charts.
I have attached some charts for you to download and try.
Enjoy!
Download the Song Chart Silver Wings
Which one would you use?
Silver Wings Using the Drum Chart Builder App
Silver Wings Using the Nashville Number System
FAQ's & Troubleshooting
Go to your account page and select CLEAR CACHED DATA button.
WARNING: This should only be used when you are connected to the internet.