Rhythm is the heartbeat of music, and no instruments embody rhythm more than drums and percussion. These instruments create the pulse that drives everything from tribal beats to modern-day rock and jazz. But what exactly is the difference between drums and percussion?

Many people use these terms interchangeably, but they aren’t the same thing.

Understanding the distinction between them helps musicians, drummers, and percussionists appreciate each instrument's unique role.

Whether you want to explore rhythm for the first time or refine your knowledge, this guide will break down the differences, similarities, and importance of drums and percussion in music.

Defining Drums and Percussion

At their core, drums and percussion are about rhythm, energy, and expression. They shape the pulse of music and ground us in the present moment. But while they may seem interchangeable, there’s a beautiful distinction between them.

What Are Drums?

Drums are the heartbeat of rhythm, instruments that come alive when a stretched membrane (drumhead) is struck. Their deep, resonant tones have carried the spirit of music across centuries, from tribal gatherings to modern rock concerts.

Think of drums as the foundation—steady, driving, and bold. Some of the most well-known drums include:

Acoustic drum kits – The backbone of rock, jazz, and pop.
Snare drums – Crisp, sharp, and commanding.
Bass drums – Deep, grounding vibrations you can feel in your chest.
Hand drums – Djembes, congas, and tablas—each carrying the soul of different cultures.

Drums hold space in music, creating a steady pulse that allows melodies to soar and emotions to unfold.

What Is Percussion? (Where Does the Handpan Fit In?)

Percussion, on the other hand, is everything that brings texture, color, and rhythm to sound. It’s the playful spirit of music, the delicate jingle of a tambourine, the shimmer of cymbals, the wooden resonance of a marimba.

Unlike drums, percussion instruments don’t always have a drumhead. Instead, they create sound when struck, shaken, or scraped. Some, like marimbas and xylophones, carry melody. Others, like shakers and bells, add rhythmic accents.

But one instrument sits in the beautiful space between melody and rhythm—the handpan.

The handpan is a melodic percussion instrument. Like a drum, it’s played with the hands, but instead of just producing rhythm, it also creates rich, resonant melodies.

Each handpan is tuned to a specific scale, making it unique among percussion instruments. It blends the grounding energy of percussion with the emotive qualities of a melodic instrument, which is why so many people are drawn to its sound.

You can experience a glimpse of handpan music by watching this video:

Percussion is often divided into two categories:

Pitched Percussion – Instruments like marimbas, chimes, and handpans that create musical notes.
Unpitched Percussion – Instruments like tambourines, cymbals, or shakers that enhance rhythm without a defined pitch.

If drums are the foundation, percussion is the storyteller, bringing a world of sounds and emotions into the mix. And the handpan is where melody and rhythm merge into one soulful expression.

Key Differences Between Drums and Percussion

Now that we’ve defined drums and percussion (and where the handpan fits in) let’s dive into what sets them apart. While both are essential to rhythm and musical expression, their structure, role, and sound vary in some key ways.

Structure & Playing Method

Drums are primarily membranophones, meaning they produce sound through a stretched membrane. Whether played with sticks, mallets, or hands, their sound comes from the vibration of the drumhead.

Percussion, however, covers a wider range of instruments—many of which don’t have drumheads. They can be struck, shaken, or even plucked to create sound. Some, like marimbas or handpans, also produce melody in addition to rhythm.

Where does the handpan fit?

The handpan is a pitched percussion instrument, meaning it produces distinct notes rather than just rhythmic beats. Unlike traditional drums, it doesn’t have a membrane—instead, its entire body resonates when struck with the hands, blending rhythm and melody in a way that makes it unique among percussion instruments.

Role in Music

Drums primarily provide structure and maintain tempo. In a band or ensemble, the drummer keeps everyone in sync, creating a steady pulse that anchors the music.

Percussion, on the other hand, adds color, texture, and dynamics. Some percussion instruments, like bongos or congas, create grooves, while others, like cymbals or chimes, enhance atmosphere and depth.

The handpan occupies a unique space within percussion—it blends rhythm and melody, allowing for both percussive expression and harmonic depth. Unlike traditional drums that primarily keep time, the handpan creates a full musical experience on its own, often played solo or in meditative settings.

Variety & Sound

Drums are typically focused on rhythm, producing short, percussive attacks rather than sustained tones. While they can be tuned, they don’t generate distinct melodic notes like string or keyboard instruments.

Percussion, in contrast, offers a diverse sonic palette. From the shimmering resonance of a gong to the crisp articulation of a woodblock, percussion instruments can range from purely rhythmic to fully melodic. Instruments like the vibraphone, kalimba, and handpan bridge this gap—providing both percussive energy and tonal expression.

The handpan’s ethereal sound comes from its unique tuning, where each note is harmonically rich and sustains beautifully. Unlike most drums, which rely on sharp, rhythmic hits, the handpan invites a fluid and melodic approach to playing, making it a deeply expressive instrument.

Are All Drums Percussion? Is All Percussion a Drum?

Source: https://percussiondream.com

At first glance, it’s easy to assume that drums and percussion are the same thing. After all, drums are percussion instruments—but does that mean all percussion instruments are drums? Not quite.

Drums Are a Type of Percussion

All drums belong to the percussion family, but they are just one part of a much larger world of rhythmic instruments. What makes a drum unique is that it produces sound using a stretched membrane (a drumhead). This is different from other percussion instruments that might create sound through metal, wood, or tuned bars.

A bass drum, snare drum, djembe, tabla, and cajón are all considered drums because they have a drumhead that vibrates when struck.

Not All Percussion Instruments Are Drums

Percussion goes far beyond just drums. Many percussion instruments don’t have a drumhead at all and instead create sound through other means—whether it’s the metallic shimmer of a cymbal, the wooden resonance of a marimba, or the bright jingle of a tambourine.

Some percussion instruments, like xylophones, vibraphones, kalimbas, and handpans, are pitched percussion, meaning they produce musical notes rather than just rhythmic sounds. These instruments sit at the intersection of rhythm and melody, offering a more expansive range of expression than traditional drums.

So, while all drums are percussion instruments, not all percussion instruments are drums. The world of percussion is vast, covering everything from the driving pulse of a snare drum to the harmonic resonance of a handpan.

Drums & Percussion Across Cultures

Rhythm is a universal language expressed through diverse percussion traditions worldwide. The djembe of West Africa, the tabla of India, the darbuka of the Middle East, and the congas of Latin America each carry their own cultural rhythms and playing techniques.

While traditional drums provide the pulse of music, some percussion instruments—like the steelpan, marimba, and handpan—expand beyond rhythm, offering melodic expression as well.

Among them, the handpan stands out for its unique ability to blend percussion and melody. Beyond its musical versatility, it also carries a deeply meditative quality, inviting both rhythmic exploration and emotional reflection.

Which One is Right for You?

Now that we've explored the differences between drums and percussion, how do you decide which instrument is the best fit for you? The choice depends on your musical goals, playing style, and the kind of connection you seek with rhythm.

Drums: For Those Who Love Energy & Groove

If you’re drawn to high-energy beats, structured rhythm, and driving grooves, drums might be the perfect choice. Playing drums requires coordination and a strong sense of timing, making it ideal for those who love powerful, rhythmic expression—whether in a full drum kit, a snare, or traditional hand drums like the djembe or tabla.

Percussion: For Texture, Creativity & Playfulness

Percussion instruments offer a vast sonic playground—from cymbals and shakers to melodic instruments like marimbas and steelpans. If you enjoy adding layers to music, experimenting with different textures, or even playing multiple instruments within an ensemble, percussion provides a wide range of creative possibilities.

Conclusion

Choosing between drums and percussion isn’t just about technique—it’s about what resonates with you. If you love bold, rhythmic energy, drums may be your path. Percussion instruments offer endless variety if you enjoy exploring different textures and accents. And if you’re looking for an intuitive, melodic, and meditative sound, the handpan brings a truly unique experience.

At The Sound Artist, we’re here to help you explore, discover, and connect with the rhythm that calls you. Whether you’re picking up your first instrument or expanding your musical journey, trust your instincts—and let the rhythm guide you.

Ready to start your journey? Schedule a FREE handpan lesson and experience the magic of rhythm firsthand.

Drums vs Percussion: Differences