How To Play the Kalimba: Selecting Beginner Kalimba, Tuning, Techniques, Exercises, How To Read Tabs

[@mdaley4390]

A good thing to remember when playing off sheet music and regular notes. The right hand, or right side of the kalimba, the notes are on the lines. The left hand, or left side of the kalimba, the notes are in the spaces. This will help you to at least recognize which hand would be playing the notes.

[@firecrackerberry7833]

Thank you so much for this tip. I've got one for Christmas and was wondering how to remember it.

[@susiesimpson2382]

Thanks! that helps a lot!

[@erichajohansson5018]

Awesome bit of info. Thank you ^_^

[@maybethistimenow]

Not totally true, as F A CE is also on the RH side, while E G B D is on the LH side!

[@Cat-qo3ht]

@@maybethistimenow TRUE. As you go into the higher octave it switches 👌

[@TommyJones49]

I was getting ready to send mine back the instruction were horrible. Thanks to you I'm now enjoying it. My dog hides behind couch when I practice.

[@mikeonthebox]

When I bought my first car, the manual didn't teach me how to drive it... I guess it's kind of the same for Kalimbas.

[@Trinidadianlove]

Me with no musical knowledge whatsoever coming here to learn my impulse-bought kalimba: hmm yes the floor here is made of floor

[@mollygrant5918]

Impulse buyer Kalimba as well

[@rachelhorn8823]

Found one at Goodwill. Ready to try.

[@TheDog2137]

same

[@arckocsog253]

I play with my pointing and middle fingers. Thank you that you confirmed that it’s a valid technique

[@callieperry7002]

Thank you for tuning so well! Lots of beginner kalimba videos hurt my ears, but this sounded beautiful.

[@MrDuckDrawz]

This instrument seems great for me 1: im too stupid for sm complex like the piano 2: i need a quiet instrument to learn bcs i live in an apartment 3: it sounds BEUTIFUL i've never had ab instruemt with chords before so im excited to figure this out haha

[@vantarinitel]

Bought mine, pulled it out of the bag, started playing it and my roommate asked if it had a volume button... No it doesn't have a volume button this is a physical instrument! Apparently they thought it was a digital MIDI instrument

[@phattamtubi1291]

Hi good night dear Thank you very much for your good teaching how to use the kalimba good I’m really like it so much ❤

[@raymondadamsiii9092]

That was perfect thank my friend. Peace and love ☮️

[@velindawm9987]

This is SO enjoyable! I knew very little about this instrument, and it was a fascinating journey to learn how versatile and musical the kalimba is! Favorite line: "This thumb was pretty bored." Ha! So many delightful moments in this gem of a video. Thank you for sharing!

[@SoundAdventurer]

Glad you enjoyed it! it's such a lovely little instrument.

[@RavenWindrunner]

I got a kalimba and didn't realize it would be tuned to b major. I ended up tuning it to C major because more songs online are already in that key (I guess I could have transposed but that would be a good bit of work for every song). It definitely was an ordeal, I just bought a concave mushroom rivet punch to help strike the tines more accurately.

[@tedsmith6147]

Thank you for so much great info!

[@bonnievandermark2620]

Thanks for start up. Just got mine today.The next youtube video that came up is a 1 hour kalimba worship. I just started playing along with some harmony... I recommend you find a kalimba music video and just play along. Fabulous!

[@williemacon30]

After watching this video now I want to get one of these and learn how to use it

[@dinergal]

Thank you so very much for such an informative video. This assisted in making a perfect gift decision. Again, thanks!

[@IchigoMadnessTV]

THANK YOU! I was looking for a video that had a good amount of beginner's info. I feel like I'm already getting the hang of it all. Thanks for the video.

[@Katie16682]

I am waiting for my first kalimba to arrive in the post and I'm very excited 😆 actually it's the same 17 Tyne kalimba in this video. Thank you for this upload, I learned so much and will definitely be back to go over everything again when it arrives. Subscribed ✌️Thankies😸

[@ninamatheson2561]

How it is going?

[@conniemartin9150]

Thank you! You’re a good teacher! I’m waiting for my Gecko kalimba to arrive today from Amazon!

[@Lord_Juvens]

Hows your Kalimba journey going? :D

[@saisai2520]

It was really helpful. Thank you for such a beautiful and educative tutorial 🙏

[@maryjanemagee5410]

I have a lot of trouble reading tabs! I feel like they are too “sideways” to read. By the way, you are a very clear, informative teacher. Thank you for sharing your wisdom! I hope you will keep making Kalimba videos, and show us how to continue onto lesson #2, etc.🎶🎵🌟

[@วิธูศุภพิทักษ์ไพบูลย์]

Please allow me to call you like this, Kalimba teacher, Even if anyone would say your advice is useless about the notes of kalimba and I know that a 'C' kalimba only have white piano notes 🎹 . Even though the Kalimba has 17 key, It sounds amzing. On KZbin! you are a great Kalimba teacher. It's very fun and useful for me watching your videos. 🎶🎼🎵 😊

[@tamitaylor6189]

I learned so much. Thank you!

[@Trinidadianlove]

Listening to you play the arpeggios was so beautiful!

[@SoundAdventurer]

Thank you! So kind

[@kushalgokhale9114]

8:14 I have seen covers of songs played on kalimba with two notes played simultaneously. It sounds great

[@SoundAdventurer]

Yes, absolutely. I think the point is that you have to be intentional. If you're playing a 3rd for every note it won't sound good at every point in your song.

[@captebbtide]

The gospel song 'Michael Rowed the Boat Ashore, Hallelujah' sounds great the kalimba! Try it.

[@mischka54]

I just got mine and do like it. I bought I think a reasonably good one, but probably expected it to sound fuller having been listening to on line video examples which obviously sound beautiful!! The first song I tried was Moon River where the notes were given in letters so I’m learning that and getting used to where the notes are. But another song was in numbers. When trying to memorise the notes I think it’s best to learn one style, in my case perhaps the letters and stick to it. So I’ll need to convert the numbers to letters in my notebook. I just can’t wait to be able to play it without thinking where the next note is !!! Practice, practice !

[@carolweaver3269]

Great teaching tutorial to get one started!

[@firecrackerberry7833]

This is fabulous! Thank you 😊

[@cynthiaennis3107]

Thanks for showing how to use the hammer & app to tune it! 🙏🏼

[@SoundAdventurer]

No problem 👍

[@smoutchie]

Great video, thank you !!

[@bluesskywoman]

Thank you for this great intro video! Very helpful tutorial, appreciate your instructions very much. Can't wait to begin learning my new kalimba 😁‼️

[@rossc7277]

great information. thank you!

[@garyhendrie4001]

Thank you for this video

[@MrDracorage]

Bros eyebrows be wilding

[@codybarnes8241]

This is exactly the kind of tutorial I've been looking for. Thank you. I still have an unanswered question though. When it comes to notation...what does it mean when two notes are written in parentheses? Example (a.b)

[@SoundAdventurer]

Do you have an example? That could mean a couple things and I'd have to see it in context

[@aishaford3309]

It means to play those notes together/ _simultaneously ♡

[@superdepressif6047]

I don't understand how to build a chord and play it, how to choose which notes are included in the chords ? I'm pretty confused lol sorry

[@cynthiaennis3107]

Lavender Blue! So...3/4x is a Waltz? (I used to ballroom dance, but I can’t read music...) Asked & answered! Thanks! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 Ho! I wish I could read sheet music! It must be great to know what you know! 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@meimeiwoo7980]

Hi, Could you post the app you use for a metronome? Thanks so much. Great teaching video. Ta, mm

[@SoundAdventurer]

I use an Android, and the app is called SoundBrenner and it's the best I've found so far

[@meimeiwoo7980]

Hi, Thank you so much for answering my question. I'm going to download the app now. Have a good night, yours, mm

[@rubymehta2433]

It was good to know what you taught. Now, I have a question. But wonder if you regularly look up this Page up, as your Video was made 2 years back. I still would try. Firstly, what is the difference between keys 'C' & 'F', or why is key 'C' considered a better one? Secondly, I am starter in using Kalimba. Though without knowing any details of it, I bought a 21 Key Kalimba in note 'F' (this I suppose, as the Bar in the Center is of 'F4' note.) Else, the Kalimba makes good sounds over various keys. Could you please give me a tutorial on this Kalimba as this Kalimba is my passion. & I must learn it. Would be Great to have a positive reply from you.

[@SoundAdventurer]

Music is an interesting thing. it's not the notes themselves that makes the music, it's the intervals. in other words, if you play a C and an E at the same time, it will have the same feeling as an F and an A played together (although the pitches will be different). So, a C key includes the notes in its major scale: C,D,E,F,G,A,B,C If your kalimba has these notes, then it's in the key of C, regardless of which note is in the middle. An F key includes these notes in its major scale: F,G,A,Bb,C,D,E,F. if your kalimba has these notes, its in the key of F. As far as which one is better, neither is better or worse because if you play these notes they will have the same feeling, they are the same intervals. One advantage of instruments in the key of C is that many basic songs and music tutorials are in the key of C, so it's a bit more beginner friendly. hope that helps

[@damithsm1980]

Great video...very useful to me.

[@CentralWB]

Could you provide the link to K Tabs?

[@astropetev]

I know that a 'C' kalimba will essentially only have the piano white notes. But if a song is written in the key of for example G Major where the 'F' note is sharpened, would it not be possible to retune the 'F' tines to 'F#', then play the piece in the original key, provided there are no other accidentals!

[@SoundAdventurer]

Yes, absolutely. It's really easy to tune the notes up and down a half step. You can check out my tuning methods video if you want to see an example.

[@dimitar205]

Can anyone weigh in is it feasible to tune the kalimba to be suitable for other modes - how far can one tine go reliably - semitone, whole tone? And will the wear be substantial enough to ruin it quickly

[@SoundAdventurer]

I haven't tried this but I really want to

[@steveooooo4423]

I received a kalima as a gift from my sis, never seen before, so cool, I'm pleased to have your guidance, thankyou🌈

[@maryjanemagee5410]

Love the scales! How many scales can you teach us? I was a professional violinist for many years, and all of my practices started with scales to warm up.

[@bilbowaggins3036]

Get yourself a chromatic kalimba and you can do any scale that you could do on a piano

[@danielcordosi3870]

Is there sheet music for a Kalimba?

[@jopruitt104]

Ok, am I missing something? He said that he had the Kalimba tuned to the key of C. I though the key of C didn't have any sharps or flats. Around 11:35 he talks about hitting an E minor.

[@SoundAdventurer]

Great question. E minor isn't the same as e flat. In fact the key of C (which has no sharps and flats like you said) has 3 minor chords and a diminished chord. In fact every key has this same pattern. So, if you take the C major scale, and you play a scale going up and down, like this, you get this, C,D,E,F,G,A,B,C...B,A,G,F,E,D,C. Notice how the scale sounds "happy". It sounds like a major scale. Now, try this again except start on E with the exact same notes (no sharps or flats): E,F,G,A,B,C,D,E...,D,C,B,A,G,F,E Notice how the scale sounds "sad", because it is in fact a minor scale. You'll see this same thing if you start on D, (Dorian Mode), E, (Phrygian mode), and A (aeolian mode). So on a Kalimba tuned to the key of C, you get 3 major chords, C, F, and G. 3 minor chords, D, E, and A, and one diminished chord: B Hope that helps!

[@rubymehta2433]

As I said the middle key is F, but Booklet for this Kalimba says the Tone is C major.

[@stephanelarochelle2484]

Good video, although I was hoping that Chromatic kalimbas would have been touched upon ....

[@pginnery]

I just received an 8 key kalimba. The tines are not marked as far as what key each is. Can you help?

[@TheDizzled32]

When you are playing the chords, why are you playing the C chord(C,E,G) and then hitting the E note before playing the G (G,B,D) chord? Are you adding some extra notes just for fun?

[@SoundAdventurer]

I guess that's a good way to put it! it's called an arpeggio. there's no real order of notes needed to play a chord. you can play the first note of the chord, then the fifth, then the third... going up and down the chord is just a way to add interest and dynamic to a chord to make it more interesting . so, I am just playing up the chord (C, and then E, and then G), and going back down one note to make a more interesting sound. hope that helps!

[@TheDizzled32]

@@SoundAdventurerI see, so you just gotta have the root note as the lowest note for it to be considered that chord, for example C major it has to be the C, order doesn't matter. Thnx for the info

[@SoundAdventurer]

@@TheDizzled32 Yep, I think you've got it. Really if you just play the notes in the C major chord in any order, it's still C Major. :)

[@TymexComputing]

Thank you very much :) i am happy i dont need a separate eyebrow to play the kalimba ;;)

[@SoundAdventurer]

but imagine what you would sound like if you had two!

[@pamelabryars1239]

I need to use the numbers… l need a simple book of music to learn. Help me…PLEASE!

[@adeenamubarack9748]

Can you please attach the ktabs application link here?? Couldn’t find it in the description

[@pjelly633]

What does it mean when it says key of C I just got a 17 key kalimba and the instructions were useless, it assumes you already know the terminology for the instrument.....need a proper begginers guide for some one who didn't even know this thing existed, I am a complete beginner to music, can't read music what ever the instrument so please do a video for people like me who want to learn but even the basics is not suited for COMPLETE BEGGINERS thanks

[@BethanyMisty]

Do you have any particular brands or websites you’d recommend that aren’t too expensive but sound good?

[@SoundAdventurer]

I really like the sound of Gecko Kalimbas, you can hear a bunch of them here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHOciJaHj7yXnc0 Amazon sells these as well as other online stores

[@braydenbjorn9953]

Pro tip: watch series on flixzone. Me and my gf have been using it for watching all kinds of movies lately.

[@mitchellbaylor8132]

@Brayden Bjorn definitely, been watching on Flixzone for since december myself :)

[@irajose5253]

@Brayden Bjorn definitely, have been using flixzone for years myself :D

[@miloquinn2867]

@Brayden Bjorn Yea, been watching on flixzone for months myself :)

[@SimplicityForGood]

I wonder about how to best choose the right key of an instrument you want to suit your singing voice... I am a male baritone and my goal is to find one small instrument I can play and sing to that suit my voice that is not tenor.. is it a better idea or not to choose a kalimba or a chromatic harmonica for example in one octave lower than the normal C on a piano to fit the lower baritone voice as not all notes exist on small instruments compared to a piano? or am I thinking about this in the wrong way? or can there be a benefit for me as a baritone to order an instrument like the kalimba seeds in the of B or a more jazzy chromatic harmonica from Seydel for example in the key of Bb to get lower tones suiting my voice better? Or how to best understand your voice of instrument if my goal is to sing melodies while playing first record on a kalimba or a chromatic harmonica and in this way train my music ear training, musical skills, reading notes etc and over time also help to assist me in perfecting my pitch while singing to an instrument? please advice me how to consider the usage of Kalimbas and harmonicas for ear training and to sing to instruments you record or play yourself if you are a male baritone?! thanks for a great channel'! I see you added this video two years ago, but began to follow today as it really great content, hope you will start to upload new videos to teach more about music! Is really great what you are doing !

[@SoundAdventurer]

Hey! thanks for the note. Very interesting question! I think you could look at this two ways, 1. if you want to do close harmonies with the kalimba, you should continue your path of finding something that fits your singing range. A chromatic kalimba has the benefit of being able to fit any song, which a diatonic kalimba you will always be a bit limited there. As far as which kalimba to get, the handheld kalimbas are going to be in the same range because of the size of the tines. If however, you want to sing in unison with the notes of the kalimba, just find your normal singing range on a piano and make sure the kalimba can facilitate your singing range. 2. The other way to look at this is that in music production, the producer is actually finding a way to make sure the instruments blend and do not compete with one another. You'll notice in a lot of songs that many instruments actually stop playing when the main vocalist starts singing. So, what I mean by that is that the standard 17-key diatonic kalimbas (or chromatic kalimbas) can accompany your voice nicely and are in a different enough register that they can fit in the background. So in other words, you shouldn't have to worry too much about whether one kalimba will go better with your voice over another. You might end up playing at the top or bottom of the register of the kalimba anyway so it doesn't muddy up your vocal recordings. Now, the timbre of the instrument varies a lot from instrument to instrument. I recommend just getting started with a cheap one (around $30) and you'll get a feel for what you're looking for pretty quick I think. Hope that helps!

[@SimplicityForGood]

@@SoundAdventurer cool! aha.. so could have one kalimba or maybe even a chromatic harmonica in a lower tone, like bb?.. to mimic my voice just for ear training and pitch training, and playing solos with and then a normal Kalimba in C for recording in the background while I sing typical pop songs like Chasing Cars or Tears In Heaven on for example, then I guess... thanks for getting back, is very inspiring when someone actually gets back and like you know how things work in the field one is a total beginner in... it made a lot of sense when you said that the instruments should not compete with each other.. yeah, I start to see why brass instruments are in a lower key now than the piano for example in jazz ... I found an interesting instrument.. is a Seydel Chromatic Harmonica called the Non'Slider and is set in Bb... might go buy it! 😂 but it cost a lot... 🥶😝 thanks a lot for getting back!

[@bimrebeats]

Can you reverse the tine order if you’re left-handed

[@LECHENTIANXIN]

NICE KALIMBA:)

[@AnkurAgarwalstyleofficial]

How to play soft notes in kalimba🤔

[@hazelbusson-miller5382]

Do you teach the Samisen

[@bilbowaggins3036]

Is it possible to do staccato on kalimba?

[@dualinline7867]

How many tines I watch your video? Yes, 17 tines.

[@amandasuebutterfield5741]

Mine only has #1 thru #8 on it & everything I'm finding is for letters & for 17 plus tines..help!!

[@lanternlite75]

1=c, 2=d etc

[@sc-rahayuwidiyanti5808]

Ok

[@PetLife414]

OSU Kalimba??? Anyone? Find it interweb soldiers

[@marietaylor6802]

Why so dark!!

[@johnholohan2767]

First question was why not called a thumb piano.

[@SoundAdventurer]

Thumb piano is actually a commonly used alternative name to kalimba

[@laviamigliore1285]

21 keys

[@tesscastro3410]

Thank you so much 😍😍😍 01252024.

[@KimberlyOurlian]

the only drawback i can see is you cant play sharps or flats

[@MrSupersidewinder]

I have a unique solution for that. I use 1mm x 5mm magnets under the tines to flatten a semitone... I mark the tines where the magnets tune. I even tune my F's sharp a semitone and use a magnet to tune it to 'normal'... My C kalimba can quickly play in 5 keys, and do some key change tricks like the upper F sharp for a song changing from C to G when it goes up...😁 Shhhh my little secret... I use 10 such magnets bought cheaply in 100 count bulk on ebay.

[@Izzy_roze2023]

Imagine just buying a 21 key

[@igotapochahontas]

Completely off topic, but that left eyebrow of yours is driving me insane