The kalimba comes from Africa. It is also known as the mbira, sanza, or thumb piano. It is a plucked lamellophone with a soft, soothing tone. These qualities make it ideal for beginners and lovers of relaxing music.
You can learn to play several well-known songs on the kalimba in just a few hours. This article introduces the 10 easiest songs to play when you are starting out. We also provide tips and resources to help you learn quickly.
What is a kalimba?
The kalimba comes from Africa. It is also known as the mbira, sanza, or thumb piano. It is a plucked lamellophone. It has existed for more than 3,000 years and was discovered in West Africa, near the Zambezi River. It became more popular in the 1950s thanks to Hugh Tracey.
Origins and history of the kalimba
Depending on the community, this instrument had different names, including mbira, sanza, and kalimba. In 2001, Peter Hokema invented the Sansula, a distinctive type of kalimba. In English, the instrument is generally called a “kalimba.”
Description of the lamellophone
The kalimba has metal or wooden tines. They produce a gentle sound when plucked. Kalimbas are available with 17 or 21 keys, offering different musical possibilities. It is a good choice for anyone who wants to start making music.
Playing popular songs on the kalimba
The kalimba makes it easy to play famous songs. The instrument’s notes can be used to perform many hits. Tabs and online tutorials can help you learn them. Songs such as “Mad World” and “Bella Ciao,” for example, are accessible to beginners.
Adapting familiar tunes to the kalimba’s notes
Adapt familiar songs for the kalimba by choosing the right notes. This is an accessible exercise because the kalimba is simple to play. Just a few notes are enough to perform popular songs. Online tutorials can guide you when you are starting out.
Top 10 easy songs to play on the kalimba
Here are 10 fairly simple songs for beginners:
- “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”
- “Mad World”
- “What a Wonderful World”
- “No Woman No Cry”
- “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”
- “Bella Ciao”
- “Mockingbird”
- “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”
- “Ode to Joy”
- “Mary Had a Little Lamb”
These pieces are perfect for kalimba beginners. Online resources, such as sheet music, make them easier to learn.
Tutorials and sheet music for beginners
Many kalimba enthusiasts want to learn how to play the instrument. They can easily find online advice in videos and articles. These resources explain how to get started, hold the kalimba correctly, and play its notes. They also make it easier to read kalimba tabs.
If you are looking for easy pieces to practise, beginner kalimba sheet music is ideal. It uses simple notes suited to new players. Websites such as Instruments du Monde provide this sheet music free of charge, making it easier to learn this unusual instrument.
Online resources for learning the kalimba
Whatever your level, you can find beginner kalimba tutorials online. These guides cover fundamentals such as playing technique and reading music. They can help you make rapid progress.
Reading kalimba tabs
Learning to read kalimba tabs is essential for getting off to a good start. Tabs show you which notes to play on the kalimba and make songs easier to learn. With a little practice, you will be able to play your favourite songs.
Benefits of the kalimba as a recreational instrument
The kalimba is easy to pick up, making it an excellent recreational instrument. Its small size and affordable price make the portable kalimba a practical choice for everyone. Its gentle tone encourages relaxation and makes it ideal for meditation.
This small instrument can support well-being. It particularly appeals to people who enjoy listening to calm music. Finding a relaxing piece to play on the kalimba is easy, even for beginners.
Differences between a 17-key and a 21-key kalimba
When considering the purchase of a kalimba, people often wonder whether to choose a 17-key or 21-key model. Both have advantages. A 21-key kalimba provides more notes and therefore has a wider note range.
With four additional notes, a 21-key kalimba can play lower sounds. This expands its musical possibilities.
A different note layout
The notes are not arranged in the same way on a 17-key kalimba and a 21-key model. This changes how tabs are read. Seventeen-key models are more common and have a larger selection of lessons available for learning to play.
A 21-key kalimba nevertheless offers a greater variety of sounds, making it an appealing choice for musical exploration.
| Features | 17-key kalimba | 21-key kalimba |
|---|---|---|
| Number of playable notes | 17 notes | 21 notes |
| Note range | More limited | Wider |
| Note layout | More common, with more resources available | Different and requires some adjustment |
| Ease of learning | Easier | Slightly more complex |
| Size | Compact | Slightly larger |
Conclusion
The kalimba is an excellent choice for beginners in music. It is easy to pick up and has a relaxing sound. Both 17-key and 21-key kalimbas can be used to play popular songs. Experienced musicians can also explore new sounds. The right model depends on your experience and musical tastes.
Thanks to online resources, the kalimba is accessible to everyone. It is a simple and versatile instrument. A 17-key or 21-key kalimba will give you an easy introduction to music while offering many benefits to music lovers.
FAQ
What are the 10 easiest songs to play on the kalimba?
“We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” “Mad World,” and “What a Wonderful World” are well suited to beginners. Other options include “No Woman No Cry,” “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” and “Bella Ciao.” These pieces let beginners start with songs they already know.
What is a kalimba, and where does it come from?
The kalimba comes from Africa. It is also called a mbira, sanza, or thumb piano. It is a 1,000-year-old instrument with a soft, relaxing sound.
How can a beginner learn to play the kalimba?
Many beginner resources are available online, including lessons on hand position and how to play the notes correctly.
What are the main benefits of the kalimba as a recreational instrument?
Besides being easy to pick up, the kalimba is small and convenient to carry. Its soothing sound is perfect for meditation.
What is the difference between a 17-key and a 21-key kalimba?
A 21-key kalimba offers more notes, including four additional low notes. However, it requires players to adjust their technique. The 17-key model is more common and has more learning materials available. The choice between the two depends on what you want to play.
Source links
- https://kalimbaonline.com/guides/how-to-read-numbered-kalimba-tabs/
- https://instruments-du-monde.com/en-us/blogs/kalimba/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-kalimba
- https://instruments-du-monde.com/en-us/blogs/kalimba/best-kalimba
- https://instruments-du-monde.com/en-us/blogs/kalimba/how-to-read-kalimba-sheet-music
- https://www.kalimbamagic.com/info/how-to-play/how-to-read-and-write-kalimba-tablature
- https://www.health.vic.gov.au/dementia-friendly-environments/sensory-stimulation
- https://instruments-du-monde.com/en-us/blogs/kalimba/kalimba-17-21-keys