How to read drum notation

So you want to learn how to read drum music? Reading drum music is actually pretty simple if you just know how to get started. Many people will buy a drum book with high hopes, will have trouble with the first page or two, then give up. When I first started playing drums that was me, but I have something to share... You can learn how to read drum notation well, if you take these three simple tips to heart.
Learn how to count. We've all seen sesame street, but I'm talking about learning the relationship between quarter notes, eighth notes, eighth note triplets, and sixteenth notes. Half notes, whole notes, and quarter note triplets aren't nearly as common in drum music, so I suggest to start with these. Start by counting quarter notes on the high-hat in 4/4 (four beats and the quarter note gets the beat) 1,2,3,4. Next count eighth notes out loud while still playing quarters on the hi hat.. 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and (2 eighth notes= 1 quarter). The counting device for eighth note triplets is 1 and a, 2 and a, 3 and a, 4 and a ( 3= one quarter). Lastly the counting device for sixteenth notes is 1 e and a, 2 e and a, 3 e and a, 4 e and a (4= one quarter). The smallest subdivision should determine the counting device you use. For instance if there is a beat with two eighth notes and the rest quarters, you should count eighth notes... 1 and, 2 and, 3 and, 4 and.
There should be a section in your book that has a graphic that shows what the notes look like. Quarter notes are composed of a black circle with a stem that goes vertical. Eighth notes are made up of two of these, which are connected by a horizontal line at the top. Eighth note triplets are composed the same way, but they have 3 notes instead of 2. They also have a 3 above the group of notes, either with brackets or without. Sixteenth notes have four notes that are connected. The way they are easily distinguished is by having two horizontal lines instead of one.
Look at the key at the front or back of the book for where each drum/cymbal is on the staff. I can get you started in this article. The x's above the top line on the staff are the hi-hats. A little bit south of that in the middle of that top line is the ride. The snare drum is located on the middle space of the staff. The last of the simple symbols is the bass drum, which is located on the bottom space of the staff. Some drum books vary slightly but this is the most common.