How To Play Kalimba - The Basics

Hello everyone! This is my updated video from the start of this year on How To Play the Kalimba. In this video, I teach you how to tune your Kalimba, Kalimba playing technique, and provide some practice scales to help you improve your playing!
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Links:
🎹 BUY MY KALIMBA:
Newlam 17-Key: amzn.to/2OmhYwb
🎙️ MICROPHONE USED:
Blue Snowball USB Mic (Black): amzn.to/2Zr1WHW
📷CAMERA USED:
Nikon D7000: amzn.to/3eqb0B3
💬SOCIAL MEDIA:
Twitter: / camkalimba
Instagram: / kalimbacam
KalimbaCam official Discord: / discord
'DaTuner' Tuner App: play.google.com/store/apps/de...

[@Selena-uf4gl]

Who else is waiting for their Kalimba but watching this anyway lmao

[@thefullmoonenchantress5663]

Me !! Haha

[@izawawa]

me lol

[@Chibi1ni2ri3na1ynot]

Same here three more days

[@chIoeontop]

Me xd

[@nicolewilliams7702]

Mine came yesterday!

[@snowwyleopard]

Once I found out what a kalimba was, I was immediately interested in how to play it, I don't have one.... yet! But once I convince my parents to buy me one I'll definitely start checking out your channel more!

[@cheyenne1235]

Eesti I also want one so until I get it I’m downloading a Kalimantan app

[@deadasschannel292]

Same here I just ordered mine today and am looking at how to tune and play

[@McAwesomeMcAwesome]

@@deadasschannel292 did it come?

[@erets_ferrets__]

@@deadasschannel292 Yeah I ordered one around the same time as you. Mine hasn't come yet but I'm so excited to play it!

[@deadasschannel292]

McAwesome01 It came yesterday

[@mhm77887]

I love how small this instrument is. Doesn't take up much space unlike a piano.

[@ItzErickOfficial]

I thought the hammer was to play the kalimba! LOL

[@kaido8452]

Dude LOOOL i just received my kalimba today and i was trying to play it with hammer HAHAHA

[@Mx.zz05]

OMG SAME ! But I was like “Imma use my thumbs instead.”

[@irinatoscheva3091]

I-

[@27779206]

Ovvverated

[@27779206]

Laaal

[@DeciSpades]

*It's not perfect but it's good enough* Mood

[@double-mint4157]

I ordered my Kalimba a few days ago, it’s arriving on Monday and I’m honestly so excited!

[@deadasschannel292]

the day you posted this comment, I ordered my kalimba and it's coming soon I'm excited too

[@LouLou-ms3oj]

@@deadasschannel292 I GOT MY KALIMBA TODAY! I'm really happy! Now gotta learn how to play on it ^^ It surely will make quarantine way easier and less boring.

[@deadasschannel292]

LouLou kewl. Mine was supposed to come on Sunday but they didn’t even ship it so it’s coming Thursday

[@LouLou-ms3oj]

@@deadasschannel292 oh my! that's a shame D: Let me know when you will get it!

[@army-taekook9103]

And what’s happened:

[@musicnoobpentragon3474]

I own a Kalimba for 1 year now and never regretted buying it. It´s such a lovely little instrument, easy to learn and also to carry around

[@abraneveah5677]

I know next to nothing about music. I dont know the scales or anything. But I fell in love with kalimba music and I ordered one. I... really wanna learn. This seems simple enough that even I can follow along, and it makes me hopeful. I wont be perfect but maybe I can do well thank you for sharing your knowledge with people, for free.

[@bruhwth5861]

Am i the only one who didnt know THAT U HAVE TO ALSO TUNE IT???....damn..only me..

[@salonipatel18]

Yes

[@amoghk.m.6769]

My Kalimba arrived today and I didn't know it could be tuned till I checked this video LOL.

[@loaf4376]

I dont do tuning i just play music with my instrument peacefully

[@peachiixsky7497]

Same

[@baddienamjoo-hyuk4507]

Me 🤣😂

[@CasaNoah]

Who else is watching this knowing the main thing they'll play is avatar songs? :)

[@darkskinvz7639]

Lmaooo😂😂

[@thatgirlwithherheadinthecl8777]

Omg

[@regankliewer3222]

I just ordered a kalimba for my birthday! It’s such an unknown instrument, at least in my area, and it’s so beautiful! I’m very excited.

[@mintchocolate8198]

I am doing the same for my birthday! How's it going for you?

[@regankliewer3222]

@@mintchocolate8198 I’ve picked it up quickly! I really enjoy playing it. Do you have yours yet??

[@mintchocolate8198]

@@regankliewer3222 I actually just got mine yesterday. Having some trouble with tuning it. I tried Gstrings app but don't know what's going wrong. It's probably because I have no experience with instruments.

[@kaoshiyuki]

I also ordered it for my birthday and it arrived today! I'm so excited to play it

[@SaigeIsDizzy]

bro i didnt even notice that the kalimba had the notes written on the actual thing- lovely video. thank you!!

[@livi1477]

my only problems with the kalimba are: i tune it and then decide to put it away without even playing anything also i suck at glissando on my left hand since it's my nondominant hand

[@7thmusic226]

livi that comes with practice ^^

[@nuratiyah9967]

Practice makes perfect..you don't just born and suddenly being good enough in everything..keep on trying..never give up

[@tanujjgangadeb7486]

3:30 wow! I'm a guitarist too and I'm gonna start playing the kalimba soon

[@maribelle7626]

this video came just in time! i finally got a kalimba but i don’t know anything about it lol, thanks

[@Chechiliar]

Thank you so much for this video! It really helps me because im still a beginner😅😳

[@KalimbaCam]

No worries, glad that it helped you out!

[@hybridr3k44]

Bungee gum has both the properties of rubber and gum

[@biscuitcafe777]

@@hybridr3k44 lmao 💀

[@dougytipton8434]

I'm male, have recently retired, and now I think the kalimba would meet my need to learn. In school I played clarinet 4 yes, single-bell Bflat baritone , took 6 yes piano off-school grounds. For myself I feel the kalimba is one the most soothing sounds in this universe. I want two 13-note high quality adult toys. If I should suddenly have young people around, maybe a cupla coconut slabs: 5 to 7 notes? to accompany more accomplished musicians in the enjoyment of sharing music. No batteries. No cord. Just sound😍🕊

[@giliy_18]

That "chuning" hits different

[@dancapua4989]

Subscribed! I'm new to Kalimba and I find this vid helpful. Thanks dude!

[@NoufMorales]

cant wait for my kalimba to arrive, will definitely go back to this video. (subscribed)

[@libbysmith8141]

I got mine and I am so grateful that you made these videos. Thank you!!

[@KalimbaCam]

most welcome!

[@johnnarogers5636]

just got mine first time i'm really learning an instrument, thanks for the help!

[@macattack4]

My parents got me one for my birthday today! I'm trying to watch as many tutorials as possible so I can learn how to play it because it's just so pretty and cool. This was really helpful, thank you!

[@reb2765]

Unus

[@mochismixes3780]

So, I just got my interest 4 months ago, and this helped me at first because I was soooo clueless

[@Cubelixa]

That was very helpful. Thanks a lot.

[@jilarathel]

It's amazing how much more the instructions make sense when you know that you switch from side to side... which now that I know it, of totally feel like I should have been able to figure it out myself, lol.

[@KalimbaCam]

Haha, yeah that would make it a lot easier to understand the instructions. Hopefully you'll be able to learn quicker now!

[@baharchan]

I ordered today myself a Kalimba, I will get it tomorrow! I'm so excited, watching this before I got mine to be ready :D

[@EleanorSays]

I just ordered mine too! 😍 I'm so excited!

[@Harphoney]

First time ever seeing an instrument like this, wow I love it! It sounds like a fancy doorbell lol

[@caitlynmaybush4690]

just ordered my kalimba! Will be here this Thursday:) definitely will be back to this video ;)

[@randomdancerdibz6043]

I just got a Kalimantan today (it’s one of the transparent ones not a wooden one but it’s for my bday), this video was super helpful! what took me 2 hours to learn on my own, you explained in under 6.5 minutes:)

[@instantlomi9566]

Bro i'll be back on this vid, because i just ordered my first kalimba😁 (already subscribed)

[@instantlomi9566]

@Lauren Brown dude i ordered one and it got stuck in the logistic facility of Lazada because of the virus 😢 because all of the transpo are down..

[@ayselbars-asenova6769]

Thank you for information.

[@seenakhanov1572]

I got my kalimba yesterday and today i learnd to play we wish u a merry Christmas

[@Kateryan444]

I have the exact same Kalimba as you! I got it today, I stumbled upon this video and I haven’t watched through it all yet but it’s been pretty helpful✨

[@KalimbaCam]

Awesome! Glad that the video has been helpful :)

[@variamente6855]

Well this is useful because my perfect pitch will definitely help in the tuning immediately

[@jackskellington9475]

Could you make a video on how to read notes ive only ever been able to play piano by sound no one took time teach itd be much appreciated because i really wanna learn this instrument

[@dorothycrombie4128]

Thank you

[@mikuranes9333]

I really want to learn this

[@luketheskymarshall4472]

How to you play the keys on the far ends, I can barely get a sound out

[@skytext1111]

I just ordered my Kalimba and I'm watching in advance lmao

[@jeffyoung60]

How do you fix a 'dead' tine?

[@charlestonbartolome3013]

Finally!! Now I know I can play my kalimba with my skin in thumb. i've been so worried that I can't play kalimba cause of my short nails

[@leonapireo6391]

I recieved a kalimba as a gift & I also thought the hammer was for playing the kalimba. 😁

[@ANG3LCH4N]

Thx for tutorial!! And I want to playy Kalimba, they said that kalimba is soo easy than the others ^^

[@KalimbaCam]

You're welcome! Yes, the Kalimba is definitely easier to learn that some other instruments which is what makes it so great! If you're looking to purchase your first Kalimba, I recommend purchasing the K17M from my Kalimba store as it is great and affordable for beginners (I offer much lower prices than other stores) kckalimbas.com/products/gecko-17-key-mahogany-c-tuned-kalimba-k17m

[@ANG3LCH4N]

O.O Okay thx ^^

[@PoprostuGrzymkowski]

Everything is so beautiful when you play it on kalimba :P

[@rosekwakyewaa1085]

I have a Cajon to you and Ike can play it now❤ Yeah and it’s a very special thank you for the tutorial bye❤🎉 ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Huxxleigh]

Omg I'm getting that same Kalimba in a few days :))

[@dakotahstr]

I just bought one yesterday. I bought it for my two grand boys. Mine was in perfect tune! Can play twinkle twinkle on it .lol

[@KalimbaCam]

That's great! I hope they have fun learning.

[@SoftKitteh]

Excellent video. But, for preference, I find my red Snark (which goes by vibrations rather than sound) is a lot more accurate than a phone app. And I did try one. Snark for life!

[@floareasoarelui7758]

I can not find the app datuner on magazin play, can you help please?

[@oliviayt6856]

Hi so I'm waiting for my kalimba to come by mail, and I'm curious if the notes are engraved on the bars. Lol I have no musical knowledge. Thanks 💞✨

[@stevenpaige2005]

My nephew got one from his aunt that is a music teacher. Kinda chuckled a little cuz he thought the little hammer was what you used to play it. I think I'll share this with him, i didn't know what the hammer was for, but i did know you played it with your thumbs.

[@kamikazee3071]

in case you are still wondering the little hammer is to tune the instrument.

[@nishita1402]

I don't have a Kalimba but I'm still watching it. ❤

[@ChristopherCapersJones]

I just got my first Kalimba on Christmas of 2020.

[@icevolcano7943]

Does DaTuner app require to be online in order to use the app? Because I need an Offline Tuner for Kalimba.

[@tg.tyrant2302_]

Who else just mastered a sick tune on their kalimba and watched this because you are satisfied with your kalimba

[@douglasvitrano]

whats the tuning app called

[@joicelynlim1789]

for those ppl who say : i haven't even got one yet but im watching YEAH AND THAT'S WHYY u watch it first to understand while waiting for ur package to arrive😂!

[@tanvi366]

My kalimba is in the shop

[@SophieN1229]

Are they good because my sister is getting one for chirstmas

[@kayequinn6726]

Just purchased a marimba & downloaded a tuning app. Problem is,It's all in Korean. Don't understand if It's tuned OK. Also,don't understand their booklet illustration on notes. Any help would be appreciated.

[@Kelly-vu8ns]

is it easy to learn kalimba for a person who has zero basic in music?

[@daisyfrost6530]

Yeah, I would really like to know this too

[@axanthiccrestie2460]

Where did you learn????

[@caleblybarger8390]

do you think this is still possible for someone with no experience playing any instrument so they really don’t know what the names of those notes mean?

[@shuilong52]

appreciate the name of the tunning app please

[@antonettepruel5696]

What should I click for the "Pick an instrument". Should I opt for automatic chromatic tuning? Your response is highly appreciated!💖

[@summerelkins3467]

That might work!! If there is just all instruments I suggest you use that. Kalimba is a small unknown instrument

[@antonettepruel5696]

@@summerelkins3467 thanks

[@jojid.econar280]

Does the scales on kalimba are same on guitar?

[@OregonDARRYL]

Turn the thumb-pick over so the flat edge hits the tines....

[@haikalhaziq5019]

Does kalimba chord same with guitar chord for any song?

[@mikabugg]

Haikal Haziq well if you play piano, it is normally the C scale (a, b, c, d, e, f, g) so it does not play any chords that are minors (typically) or have any flats or sharps (again, typically. Such as B or E sharp can be played) But you can in fact tune your kalimba to be any scale, like a B flat scale or E flat scale, thus being able to play any chords within that scale. This does take a very long time though and it is quite prefered to not do it, but you can if you would like

[@ShadowCatGambit]

What if some of the notes won't reverberate? They die almost as soon as my thumb leaves the key.

[@KalimbaCam]

It's most likely down to the quality of the Kalimba. Your problem is not unusual, and even a lot of my Kalimbas have the same issue. Unfortunately, there is nothing that can really be done to solve it apart from purchasing a higher end Kalimba. The tines sounding quite dull shouldn't affect your playing too much however since most songs don't tend to use the upper tines too much and if they do the sound should blend with the rest of the song.

[@fionarose1358]

I got mine today 🥺

[@kaido8452]

question, in the tuning app, is it okay if the key lets say A6 but in the app it says A4 (example only) should i tune it until i get exact or its okay if near?

[@nvrmxithx]

He said in the video that as long as it's close enough it's fine ^^

[@orange_famta3956]

if that happens thats a problem because that number next to the A is what octave it is. A6 is 2 octaves above A4, so if youre playing A4 when it should be A6 itll be really low. also, while yes he is saying that its "close enough", the values its putting out are absolutely not close enough. it should be tuned within a few cents of the correct pitch. one cent is 1/100 distance between notes, and at one point in the video its 20 cents sharp, which is a 5th of a half step---- thats insane.

[@ahwuang]

How to play half step?

[@fatimamosh7031]

What is the name of this app ?

[@ethanotto5062]

what are the holes on the back for?

[@kelvinsmith6854]

To let the sound come out nicely....there, that wasnt too difficult was it.

[@Jannat-pe6gd]

Imma just learn this to play keylimba app

[@ma.veronicaagnesragos5342]

Do you have any suggestion on what tuner app for Ios user

[@summerelkins3467]

BandLab has a tuner, I know it's on all/most phones or tablets

[@orange_famta3956]

for apple youll absolutely want TE Tuner. by far the best for any instrument and it lets you set how fine you want the tuning, and id recommend doing fine or ultra fine since its tuned entirely on the instrument.

[@Izznum]

I'm interested in learning Kalimba but I don't have thumbnails since birth 😭😭

[@eyeball1887]

I have a suggestion get some fake nails on ur thumbs it’s weird but very much worth it

[@user-fs8ix7kb8m]

@@eyeball1887 is this hard to learn?

[@eyeball1887]

@@user-fs8ix7kb8m the kalimba is not that hard to learn, you may master it in a few hrs. But it takes some time to remeber the keys and play fast.

[@fayth6717]

Well, you can buy a kalimba that comes with fingertip thingys like mine, it's coming tomorrow and I bite my nails 😅 so I can't really use a kalimba properly tho with a fingertip cover it should be easy to use one

[@angelkristinemarcos953]

Is kalimba easier to learn than guitar?

[@alyasalem4780]

How long does the Kalimba stay tuned for? Btw I found this video very helpful thank you

[@joannicolaspuentessastoque884]

Like many other wood instruments, it depends on various factors as for example temperature and usage frequency. The more you use it on regular conditions, the less it will get out of tune. Hope that helps!

[@pjmercado4505]

I love your accent

[@d_tan]

Quarantine has pretty much brought me up to this point. So might as well just learn a new instrument to pass the time quicker.

[@noboneetonoholee3971]

How long does it actually take to tune a key? I feel like I've been hammering for a long time but not much actual change ;-;

[@KalimbaCam]

The time it takes to tune a key can definitely vary between the keys. This is because some keys are held in place more tightly than others. If a key seems to be taking ages to adjust, try hammering (slightly) harder and faster to loosen it. Apologies for the late response but hopefully this can still be of help :)

[@noboneetonoholee3971]

@@KalimbaCam I did hammer slightly harder and was able to tune :D Thanks a lot, you were my first tutor with kalimba! Best wishes 💕

[@paria.r2282]

🧡🧡🧡🧡💛💛💛

[@nvrmxithx]

💜💜💜

[@thepurplejello420]

"Use your fingernails if you have them." -KalimbaCam manz be spitting fax

[@ariagillette1309]

Imma tell mah mom that I should play a kalimba, I have long nails that she doesn't like

[@ersslelz910]

Yes use ur nails so that it's sound of it will be loud! I have a kimi kalimba which is quiet but i used my nails to play it and it's lOuDDdd (not super)

[@LordSummerIsle73]

Nice name

[@yayyjpop]

i'm a beginner violinist and i think the kalimba is a very cool instrument ! i would like to buy one one day ! edit : oh god this instrument is very cool and i need to keep my fingernails short for my violin and ling for the kalimba ? oh god help 👁👄👁

[@abby4511]

just get finger picks!

[@orange_famta3956]

This video was great, but i did have one major issue with it, which was the tuning instructions. Every single note was ~10 cents off, which is NOT close enough to be considered in tune by any means. 10 cents is a tenth of a half step, and anyone with any sense of pitch will be able to hear in chords that its off. The worst was the G which looked like it was almost 15 cents sharp. A note is reasonably in tune when its within 5 cents of the exact pitch, and 10 is way too off base, especially on an instrument where the tuning is entirely within the instrument itself, unlike something like a brass instrument where your mouth shape can be enough to throw it off.

[@lunacheshire27409]

I was gonna ask for a kalimba for my birthday, but now I'm a little intimidated by the tuning process.

[@DJBartlett66]

It's easy. Don't be intimidated. :)

[@lunacheshire27409]

@@DJBartlett66 oh really? Then my birthday present is set!

[@meenaa.2346]

Whats the best tuner app for iOS? I couldnt fine DAtuner in the app store 😔

[@TheXi-23]

バシャY A S M E E N honestly if it works it’s good 😂😂😂

[@vapehut2326]

A little late but i just use INStuner

[@deadasschannel292]

Same

[@asyhshr6074]

How i wish i had one

[@captshamshol3050]

Aisyah Ashari you should buy one i bought one and got in the day after I bought it online

[@DeciSpades]

You can find them on amazon for pretty cheap actually !

[@MissLilCuteTea]

Get the kimi Kalimba is super cute!

[@salonipatel18]

At amazon its very expensive

[@salonipatel18]

On which app you have ordered the kalimba

[@geumsoonkim1350]

grab your kalimba Nice👍👍👍🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@jacerobertvlogs2050]

whats that app called

[@cedar_pigeon1247]

DA tuner ♡

[@Athena_2812]

I think on the tuning app, green means the note is in tune but orange means it's too low but like i'm not a pro sooo XD

[@Athena_2812]

Oops and i forgot yellow is too high

[@KalimbaCam]

Yes, I believe you're correct :)

[@dwightjones3305]

Is it OK for people with carpal tunnel syndrome?

[@janawdg4929]

Sorry, what's the name of the app? I can't find it ... thanks 🙏

[@cedar_pigeon1247]

DA tuner I think

[@key1537]

Smart Kalimba is a very good one to use even though it's in Korean but the tuner is easy to use like the one he uses. I have been using it for free.

[@v69alix]

I guess I'm buying a kalimba now lmao

[@27779206]

Ggrr

[@valkofish]

where can i get kalimba

[@summerelkins3467]

Amazon has some!

[@valkofish]

@Lailan well thank you, but I got a kalimba 2 months after writing this comment