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Intermediate drums sheet music for "Foreign Affairs" by Biréli Lagrène, in G♯ minor at about 214 BPM. Transcribed from the track by Songscription. Available as an easy beginner, intermediate, or advanced arrangement.

Intermediate Drums Sheet Music for "Foreign Affairs" by Biréli Lagrène

Preview of the intermediate drums sheet music arrangement for “Foreign Affairs” by Biréli Lagrène.

Foreign Affairs by Biréli Lagrène
Drums Sheet Music

PercussionMid-staff range

The drums part reads from percussion, arranged to sit naturally for the instrument.

Difficulty

Intermediate

For players comfortable with the basics.

Inside the music
Signature

Music DNA

Genrejazz · blues · jazz fusion
Moodenergetic · groovy · virtuosic
SignatureBiréli Lagrène's fiery guitar fusion
G minor
Key
214
BPM
4/4
Time
Chords

The progression

Cm
Dm7
B7
Am7
Fm7
Cmaj7
Em7
Bhdim7
Form

Structure & dynamics

IntroHead (theme)Solo sectionHead repriseOutro
Instrumentation

What's in the mix

electric guitar
lead voice, delivering fast, intricate, and expressive solos with a bright, slightly overdriven tone
electric bass
round, syncopated, and driving the groove with a strong, melodic presence
drums
dynamic, tight, and propulsive, featuring crisp snare hits and articulate hi-hat work that accentuates the syncopation
electric piano
warm, comping chords that add harmonic depth and a classic jazz texture
saxophone
smooth, melodic lines that weave between the guitar and piano, providing a lyrical counterpoint
drum kit
full, punchy, and well-mixed, with a clear separation of toms, cymbals, and ride
Album & artist
ALBUM

Foreign Affairs (1988)

Recorded in New York City in August 1988 and produced by Steve Khan, this album shows Lagrène exploring electric and fusion territory alongside players like drummer Dennis Chambers and bassist Jeff Andrews. It marked a deliberate step away from his Gypsy jazz roots toward a broader, more contemporary sound.

All of Foreign Affairs
Artist

Biréli Lagrène

Biréli Lagrène is a French jazz guitarist born in 1966 in Alsace into a Romani family, where guitar was a central part of life from the start. He grew up deeply immersed in the tradition of Django Reinhardt and was already improvising convincingly in that style as a young child. Over the course of his career he has moved across swing, fusion, and post-bop, establishing himself as one of the most versatile guitarists to come out of Europe.

All Biréli Lagrène songs
How it works

From a recording to your part in three steps

  1. Step 1
    Bring the recording

    Paste a YouTube link or upload an audio file, the studio cut, a live take, or a cover.

  2. Step 2
    We transcribe it

    Our model listens and arranges this exact performance for drums, at your chosen level.

  3. Step 3
    Play & export

    Read it on screen, transpose, slow it down, and export the sheet music when it feels right.

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FAQ

Good to know

What key is "Foreign Affairs" in?

"Foreign Affairs" by Biréli Lagrène is in G♯ minor.

What is the tempo of "Foreign Affairs"?

"Foreign Affairs" plays at around 214 BPM in 4/4 time.

What chords are in "Foreign Affairs"?

The core progression is Cm, Dm7, B♭7, Am7, Fm7, and C♯maj7, built around the G♯ minor tonal center.

What instruments play on "Foreign Affairs"?

The recording features electric guitar, electric bass, drums, electric piano, saxophone, and drum kit.

Can I get "Foreign Affairs" drums sheet music?

Yes. This is the intermediate drums sheet music arrangement of "Foreign Affairs" by Biréli Lagrène, transcribed by Songscription.

Is "Foreign Affairs" drums sheet music easy to play?

"Foreign Affairs" drums sheet music comes in beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, so there is an easy version to start with. At 214 BPM in G♯ minor with 34 chords to navigate, the part leans toward the harder end. You can switch levels on this page before you save it.

Is there an easy, beginner version of "Foreign Affairs" drums sheet music?

Yes. The beginner drums sheet music for "Foreign Affairs" simplifies the busiest passages and rhythms while keeping the melody, so it is the easiest way to start. The intermediate and advanced arrangements are one tap away when you want more of the original.

What album is "Foreign Affairs" on?

"Foreign Affairs" appears on Foreign Affairs (1988).

How does Songscription turn a song into sheet music?

Give it a recording, a YouTube link or an audio file, and its AI transcribes that performance into notation for the instrument and level you choose.

Can I get sheet music for a live or cover version?

Yes. The score is generated from whatever recording you pick, so a live take, a remix, or a cover each match that exact performance.

What instruments and formats are available?

Piano, guitar, violin, trumpet, sax, bass, drums, vocals and more, as standard sheet music, a piano roll, or guitar tabs.

Is Songscription free to use?

You can try it free, with no credit card needed.

Can I download the sheet music as a PDF?

Yes. You get a downloadable PDF, plus in-app playback and the option to transpose or adjust the arrangement before you print.

How accurate is the transcription?

It is produced by AI trained on millions of bars of music, and you can play it back and fine-tune any details before you download.

Is this transcription licensed?

Yes. We have licensed this track from its publisher, so we are permitted to transcribe it and provide the sheet music to you.

Transcribed from licensed catalogs by AI trained on millions of bars of music.

Made with in California.