Basic Playing Techniques
- Holding the Kalimba:
- Hold the Kalimba with both hands, placing your thumbs on the front to pluck the keys and your fingers around the back to support the instrument.
- Plucking the Keys:
- Use your thumbs to pluck the keys. Rest your thumb slightly on the key, then push it down and let it slip off the edge to produce a sound.
- Practice:
- Start by plucking a few keys to get a feel for the sound. Focus on producing a clean, resonant tone.
Reading Kalimba Tabs
Kalimba tabs are a simplified way to read music specifically for the Kalimba. Each key on your Kalimba corresponds to a note. A tab will show you which key to pluck and in what order.
- Numbers on Tabs: Each number corresponds to the key on the Kalimba. For example, 1vis C, 2 is D, 3 is E, 4 is F, 5 is G, 6 is A and 7 is B.
Tuning Your Kalimba
All Heart and Soul Shop Kalimbas are pre-tuned, but you can adjust them to fit your needs.
- Using a Tuner:
- Download a tuning app such as insTuner to check each key.
- If a key is flat (too low), use the tuning hammer to tap the end of the key upward.
- If a key is sharp (too high), tap the end of the key downward.
Playing Your First Melody
Start with a simple song, like "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star."
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star (C Major):
Practice slowly, focusing on the rhythm and clarity of each note.