A kalimba is an amazing, easy-to-play instrument that originates from Africa. They are commonly made of wood and have long metal keys that can play high-pitched notes when struck. If you want to play the kalimba, you have to make sure the instrument is in tune first. Then you can create your own melodies by playing individual notes and chords. Once you get used to playing the instrument, you can learn to play songs by reading tablature.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Tuning the Kalimba
Step 1. Download or buy a tuner
Before playing the kalimba, you need to make sure that it is in tune or it will not sound good. You can download a simple tuning app on your phone or you can buy a digital guitar tuner. Once you have the tuner, turn it on and place it next to the kalimba.
- Popular tuning apps include VITALtuner, Cleartune, and iStrobosoft.
- You can buy a guitar tuner online or at a music store.
- Digital guitar tuners will cost between $ 10 and $ 40.
Step 2. Consult a key signature to determine the correct notes
The spikes are long pieces of metal that extend from the top to the bottom of the kalimba. Most kalimbas will come with a key signature that indicates which note corresponds to which pick and some kalimbas even have the notes engraved on the picks. If you don't have a key signature, search online for one that matches your kalimba.
- For example, if your kalimba has 8 picks, look for tuners for 8 pick kalimbas.
- Generally, beginner kalimbas come with 8 notes or 8 picks.
- The more advanced kalimbas come with 12 notes or 12 picks.
Step 3. Play the center pick and look at the note on the tuner
Find the center pick and tap it with your fingernail while looking at the tuner. The pick should vibrate and a note should resonate.
- The picks are like the keys of the piano.
- On most 8-prong kalimbas, the center pick will be a C note.
- The middle note is usually a G or C in a 12-note kalimba.
Step 4. Strike the pick up with a tuning hammer if the note is flat
A kalimba tuning hammer is a small metal hammer that you can buy online. Lightly tap the lower end of the pick up to lift the note. Press it again and listen to the note it gets. Keep hitting and readjusting until it's the correct note.
- For example, if you are using an 8-prong kalimba and the tuner reads C ♭ or B, that means the note is flat and the pick needs to be repositioned.
- You don't have to use a lot of force when you hit the pick. Go very gently to make slight adjustments.
Step 5. Strike the pick down with a tuning hammer if the note is sharp
If the tuner reads ♯, that means the pick is sharp and needs to be lowered. Lightly tap the top of the pick to move it down. Play the pick again when pressed to hear if it is already in tune.
For example, if you are using an 8-prong kalimba and the center pick reads C♯ or D, it means that the note is high and the pick should be lowered
Step 6. Tune the rest of the kalimba
Repeat the process for the rest of the kalimba, following the key signature to make sure each pick is in tune. Once you have all the picks in the correct position, the kalimba should be in tune and ready to play.
Part 2 of 3: Play Notes on the Kalimba
Step 1. Hold the kalimba in both hands
Place the kalimba in the palm of your hands with the spikes facing you. Place your thumbs on top of the kalimba and place your other fingers behind the kalimba. You can also place the kalimba on a flat surface instead of holding it.
Do not cover the 2 holes on the back of the kalimba when you hold it or it will not sound good
Step 2. Strike a pick with your fingernail to play a note
For a good sound, tap the pick with your fingernail. The pick should vibrate afterwards after hitting it. Practice tapping the pick with your fingernail until the note resonates.
- When you're just starting out, this might be a bit painful if you play the kalimba for a long period of time, but eventually your nails will get used to playing the kalimba if you practice.
- You can also buy and use a guitar pick instead of fingernails.
Step 3. Alternate between both thumbs to hit the spikes to make a progression
Unlike the piano, the notes of the kalimba alternate, unfolding from the center of the instrument. Playing the corresponding pick at the opposite end of the kalimba will create a whole tone scale or a full tone scale up or down. Experiment by hitting different picks on the left and right side of the instrument to play a progression of notes.
For example, in an 8-note kalimba in standard tuning, the pick to the left of center is a D and the pick to the right of center is an E
Step 4. Hit 2 adjoining picks to play a chord
Striking 2 picks that are right next to each other produces a chord. Use your thumbs to play both picks at the same time to produce a chord. Experiment with different picks on the kalimba to create a series of chords, known as a harmonic progression.
Step 5. Combine individual notes and chords to create your own song
For example, you can play the center pick 3 times, then play a chord 4 times, then play the center pick 3 more times for a complete progression. Experiment with other progressions and chords to make your own song.
Part 3 of 3: Play tabs on the kalimba
Step 1. Find a tablature for the specific kalimba
Find the tablatures on the kalimba that match the number of tines on the kalimba. For example, if you have 8 picks, search for “8 note kalimba tablature”. Find a song you want to learn to play and pick up the tabs to get it.
You can even search for kalimbas tabs for popular songs like "This Is What You Came For" by Calvin Harris and "24K Magic" by Bruno Mars
Step 2. Listen to the song to determine how long to play each note
The tablatures will tell you which picks to play but they won't tell you the time. For this reason, it is best to listen to the song before starting to play it.
- Tabs will generally have a link to the song.
- If the tabs don't have the song, you can search for it online or on websites like YouTube.
Step 3. Read the tablature from top to bottom
The central line that runs through the tablature represents the bridge of the kalimba. Each vertical line to the right and left of the center line represents each pick on the instrument. Check the tablature to see how it's built before you start playing.
Step 4. Press the corresponding tines on the instrument
Each point in the tablatures represents the note or pick that you should play on the kalimba. Read the tabs from left to right, top to bottom, and play the picks in order. Keep reading the tabs and play the song. Practice until you get each part of the song.
It may be helpful to master one part of the song and then move on to another part of the song when you're just starting out
Step 5. Practice playing different songs
Once you practice a song enough times, you may memorize how to play it. To improve, practice each song until you get the hang of it.