Have you ever wanted to play the kalimba but didn’t know how? This blog post will teach you how to play the kalimba in 5 minutes! You’ll be playing your favorite songs in no time! So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!
Getting to Know The 17 keys Kalimba
When you play the piano, it’s hard to imagine that the small 17 keys kalimba was once referred to as “the originator of music.” This simple instrument can be held with both hands and played by using just your thumbs. It has been called ‘thumb piano’ because this type is often used in many traditional African cultures where people perform songs on their own without any instruments besides those available from nature such as stones or wood planks!
The thumb piano is based on an old musical instrument that has been around for centuries. The sound producing part of the device, which includes metal strips and a resonating box made out of wood are connected by springs so they can be bent at different angles without breaking themselves or your fingers!
How to Hold A Kalimba?
To play the kalimba, hold it with both hands and thumbs on either side of your panel. Your nails will help prevent painful hand injuries while you make music! Use two fingers near where notes are carved out as well to produce “WAH” sounds in C major (or whichever tuning is preferred).
How to Make A Sound on The Kalimba
The kalimba is a beautiful instrument that has a sweet, calming sound. It is very easy to make a sound on the kalimba; all you need to do is place your thumb on the center of the board and pluck the string with your other hand. You can also create different tones by pressing down on different parts of the string. The kalimba is a great instrument for beginners because it is so easy to make a sound on it. With a little practice, you will be able to play some beautiful melodies.
Tuning The Kalimba
There are a variety of ways to tune a kalimba. The most common method is to use a tuning fork, which can be purchased at most music stores. If you do not have a tuning fork, you can also use a piano or another musical instrument that is tuned to a standard concert pitch. To tune the kalimba, start by depressing the tine nearest the center of the instrument. This is note C. Next, use your tuning fork or another reference note to tune the tine directly above it to note C. Once both of these notes are in tune, you can Tune the rest of the tines by ear. When you are finished, your kalimba should be tuned to the key of C major.
Tip: How to Fix Kalimba Dead Tines
Playing Techniques For The Kalimba
The basic playing techniques for the kalimba are quite simple and easy to learn. The most important thing is to use the right hand position, which is holding the kalimba in the palm of your hand with the thumb and the first two fingers extended. The kalimba should be held slightly tilted so that the tines are slightly angled towards you. To play a note, simply pluck the appropriate tine with your finger. For basic melodies, it is often easiest to pluck the notes in order from left to right. However, once you become more familiar with the instrument, you can start to experiment with different plucking patterns. You can also create different sounds by varying the amount of pressure you apply when plucking the tines. For example, a softer pluck will create a softer sound, while a harder pluck will create a louder sound. Experiment with different techniques to see what sounds you can create.
How to Read Kalimba Tabs?
Kalimba tabs are a type of musical score that allows you to create and play music for kalimbas. The direction in which the notes should be played goes from bottom to top, as opposed to reading horizontal lines on an instrument such as guitar or piano where one would read left then right before playing their note accordingly.
Each time I hear someone else try out this new skill it always makes me feel so happy because there’s nothing more beautiful than hearing somebody else succeed at something they love doing!
Crotchet:
We need to play the key length of time for a beat.
Quaver:
We need to play the key length of time for half of a beat.
Minim:
We need to play the key length of time for two beats.
Semibreve:
We need to play the key length of time for four beats.
Play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star With The Kalimba In 5 minutes
Conclusion
Now that you know the very basics of how to play the kalimba, it’s time for you to get out there and practice! Don’t forget, the more you play, the better you’ll become at reading music and creating your own melodies. And who knows – maybe one day you’ll be teaching someone else how to play the kalimba. If you don’t have a kalimba yet, what are you waiting for? Check out our selection of quality instruments and get started on your musical journey today.
Read more:
How to Play Kalimba into Next Level? 3 Skills You Need to Know
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