Is it a Halacha or Chumrah to not bang on a table on Shabbos (like to a Niggun)? Is the problem drumming on the table or is even banging on the table to a Niggun an issue?

 

In Shulchan Aruch it says that one may not drum, clap, or dance on Shabbos in a musical context. (It is actually a Mishna in Mesechta Baiya Perek 5 Mishna 2).

Part of the reason that we have the custom to be lenient with clapping or dancing while singing etc. is because the clapping is a part of Simcha Shel Mitzvah (as mentioned in the Magen Avraham).

The same Heter exists in theory with drumming or banging on the table to the tune of a Niggun. However, this should only be done out of true Simcha which assists Avodas Hashem, and not to enjoy one’s drumming skills or similar reasons. Therefore, many discourage drumming with a vessel (instead of using the hand) or synchronized drumming with the hand to the beat of the Niggun, as often these are done more as a musical enhancement rather than as an expression of true Simcha Shel Mitzvah.

 

Sources:

ראה בכל הנ”ל שו”ע או”ח סי של”ט סעי’ ג’, ובאדה”ז שם סעי’ ב’, שו”ת מנחת אלעזר ח”א סי’ כ”ט, לקו”ש ח״ג פרשת שמיני, חכ”ד ע’ 342, ועוד. וראה הלכה יומית אות קסא.