Despite the vast popularity of the kalimba, it's not widely known in North America. It was introduced to the world by British percussionist Hugh Tracy in the early 1960s and soon became one of the most widely played instruments. The name Kalimba means "little music" and was suited to Western music because it made playing harmony with your thumbs very easy. Various composers created a catalog of African music and made it available to a wide audience.
There are many kalimba songs available, and these are only the tip of the iceberg. But they can help you learn the basics of playing the instrument, and help you improve your technique and play style. So, get started playing these kalimba songs today! You can find them on YouTube or from your favorite kalimba player! Here are some of the most popular ones:
You can also learn to play a kalimba song if you have a few familiar notes from another instrument. Some kalimba songs are based on the major scale, but you can change the notes in a different key to make them more challenging. If you are playing a D major song, for instance, you'll need to play notes in D, E, F#, and G. While this might sound difficult at first, it doesn't have to be - a song in C major will have the same progression, just a few sharps.
The second ebook in the series consists of 17-Note kalimba songs in C. This includes 82 pages of PDF files and live links to listen to a sample of the song. The 17-Note kalimba ebook includes Bach's Minuet, Finlandia, Shumba Panzira, Chemtengure, and Wayfarer Stranger. If you already play the 44-Note kalimba songs, you should try this 17-Note Kalimba ebook as a next step.
The famous ballad "Can't Help Falling in Love" is a classic kalimba song. This country-pop song features a simple melody that resonates with anyone who has lost a loved one. The song was originally written by the Norwegian-Irish duo Secret Garden, but it works beautifully on a kalimba, with its long, emotional chorus. The lyrics are also inspiring and can help you cope with grief.
As for the technique, you need to know that playing kalimbas requires some work and effort, but it's far easier than playing other instruments. Plus, the sound they produce is really beautiful! It's even easier to play kalimba songs while relaxing on a sofa! You can learn the basics of music theory using a basic kalimba. For example, older kalimba scores don't always specify all of the real accidentals. To get rid of these, you can either complete your key signature or transpose the score.
Then there are many beginner kalimba songs. These are perfect for a 17-key kalimba. If you want a more challenging song, play "I'll Try Anything Once I Learn It!" This popular beginner kalimba song was released a few years ago. If you're just getting started, you can find it in a songbook and learn the nuances of each key. So, get started today!