This article introduces this focus issue of Percussive Notes that encourages a shift from categorizing percussion using terms like “global” or “world” to analyzing “pathways.” These pathways emphasize the process by which percussion is learned, shared, transmitted, adapted, and sustained over time, focusing on the people and communities that shape these practices rather than just style or origin. The goal is to encourage thoughtful engagement with percussion as a shared human practice, leading toward deeper mutual understanding.