The kalimba is an instrument from Africa, captivating and easy to play. Usually made of wood, kalimbas have long metal tines capable of producing high and low notes when you press them. If you want to play the kalimba, you first need to make sure the instrument is tuned. Then you can create your own melodies by playing simple notes and chords. Once you are used to playing the instrument, you can learn songs by reading tablature.
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How do you tune a kalimba?
1. Start by downloading a tuner.
Before you can play the kalimba, you need to make sure it is properly tuned; otherwise, it will not sound right, because some notes will be off. You can download a simple tuning app on your phone or buy a digital guitar tuner. Once you have the tuner, turn it on and place it next to your kalimba.
- The most popular tuning apps include PanoTuner, Cleartune, and DaTuner.
- You can buy a guitar tuner online or in a music store.
- Digital guitar tuners cost between 10 and 40 dollars.
2. Refer to a kalimba tine chart to identify the correct notes.
The tines are the long metal pieces that run from the top to the bottom of the kalimba. Most models come with a tine chart showing which notes correspond to which keys, and some kalimbas even have the notes engraved on the tines themselves. If you do not have a chart, search online to find one that matches your kalimba.
- For example, if your instrument has 8 tines, look for tuning layouts for 8-tine kalimbas.
- Beginner kalimbas usually come with 8 notes or 8 tines.
- More advanced kalimbas have 17 notes or 17 tines.
3. Press the center tine and watch the note on the tuner.
Find the center tine and press it lightly with your fingernail while watching the tuner. The tine should vibrate and a note should ring out.
- The tines are like piano keys.
- On most 8-tine kalimbas, the center tine is a C.
- The center note is usually a G or a C on a 17-note kalimba.
4. Tap the tine upward with a tuning hammer if the note is too low.
A kalimba tuning hammer is a small metal hammer that can be bought online and is often included with your instrument when you purchase it. Lightly tap the lower end of the tine upward to raise the note. Play it again and see which note it is. Keep pressing it gently and readjusting it until it is the correct note.
- For example, if you are using an 8-tine kalimba and the tuner reads C♭, that means the note is too low and the tine needs to be repositioned.
- You do not need to use much force when tapping the tine. Do it very lightly to make small adjustments.
5. Tap the tine downward with a tuning hammer if the note is too high.
If the tuner shows ♯, it means the tine is too high and needs to be lowered. Lightly tap the top of the tine to move it downward. Play the key again to see whether it is in tune.
- For example, if you are using an 8-tine kalimba and the center tine reads C♯, that means the note is too high and the tine needs to be lowered.
6. Tune the rest of the kalimba.
Repeat the process on the rest of the kalimba, following the key chart to make sure each tine is tuned. Once you have placed all the tines in the correct position, your kalimba should be tuned and ready to play.
How do you play your “thumb piano”?
1. Hold the kalimba in both hands.
Place it in the palms of your hands with the tines facing you. Put your thumbs on top and wrap the rest of your fingers around the back of your instrument. You can also place the kalimba on a flat surface instead of holding it.
- Do not cover the two holes on the back while holding it, or it will not sound properly.
2. Press a tine with your thumb to play a note.
To get a good sound, press the tine with your thumb. The tine should vibrate after you press it. Practice playing the tine with your fingernail until the note rings.
- At first, this can become painful if you play the kalimba for a long time, but your nails will eventually get used to it if you practice.
- You can also buy and use a thumb pick instead of using your nails.
3. Alternate between both thumbs to press the tines and create a progression.
Unlike the piano, kalimba notes alternate in a fan shape from the center of the instrument. By playing the corresponding tine on the opposite side of the kalimba, you can play a whole tone, or one full note up or down. Try playing different tines on the left and right sides of the instrument to play a note progression.
- For example, on an 8-note kalimba in standard tuning, the tine to the left of center is a D, and the tine to the right of center is an E.
4. Press 2 adjacent tines to play a chord.
When you play 2 tines that are right next to each other, you play a chord. Use your thumb to play the two tines at the same time and produce the chord. Experiment with different tines on the kalimba to create a series of chords, called a chord progression.
5. Combine simple notes and chords to create your own song.
For example, you can play the center tine 3 times, then play a chord 4 times, then play the center tine 3 more times to create a complete progression. Try other progressions and chords to create your own song.
Playing the kalimba with tablature
1. Find tablature that suits your instrument.
Search for kalimba tablature that matches the number of tines on your kalimba. For example, if you have 8 tines, search for “8-tine kalimba tablature.” Look for a song you want to learn to play and open the matching tablature.
- You can even find kalimba tablature for popular songs such as “This Is What You Came For” by Calvin Harris and “24K Magic” by Bruno Mars.
2. Listen to the song so you can remember the melody.
Tablature will tell you which tines to play, but it will not tell you how long to hold them. That is why it is best to listen to the song before you start playing it.
- In general, tablature includes a link to the song.
- If the tablature does not include the song, you can look it up online on websites such as YouTube.
3. Read the tablature from bottom to top.
The center line that runs through the tablature represents the center line of your kalimba. Each vertical line to the right and left of the center line represents each tine on your instrument. Look at the tablature to see how it is built before you start playing.
4. Press the corresponding tines on your instrument.
Each dot on the tablature represents the note or tine you need to play on the kalimba. Read the tablature from left to right, from top to bottom, and play the tines in order. Keep reading the tablature and play the song. Practice until you master each part of the song.
- It can be helpful to master one part of the song, then move on to another when you are starting out.
5. Practice playing different songs.
Once you have repeated a song enough times, you can memorize how to play it. To improve your kalimba playing, practice each song until you master it.
Are you sure you own the right instrument? Take a closer look by reading our tips for buying a Kalimba. You will then know whether the model you own is really right for you.