Right here inside your browser, this virtual instrument let you access a seventeen-key kalimba tuned to C major (ranging from C4… E6), giving you a nice bright range for most simple melodies. Just click the tines of the kalimba with your mouse (or use the keys on your computer keyboard) to play it. There’s no installation or set-up needed. The interface is designed to be intuitive, allowing you to begin making some music immediately.
Like actual kalimbas, the tines is set out in the traditional alternating manner. The longest tine is in the middle which plays the lowest note (C4). The shorter tines is arranged from the middle, moving out to the left and right. The sound increase as you progress outwards. That arrangement also allows you to play a basic scale naturaly by alternately using your hands as you would on an actual instrument.
How to Play the Virtual Kalimba
A number and the musical note name are shown on each tine. The numbers relate to the conventional kalimba tablature: 1 represents C, 2 represents D, and so on up to 7 for B. Higher octaves is indicated by dots placed above the number. Even if you’re unfamiliar with more traditional sheet music, this enables you to read the songs.
The instrument allow you to click on each of the tines to play them. You can also click and drag on several tines to produce a smooth sliding effect. This produces what’s known as a waterfall sound on the kalimba and is a common technique. Moving swiftly along the scale create quite an interesting sound.
Try using your keyboard for a more hands-on approach. The first octave, from C4 (B4 (main)), is shown as numbers 1, 7. The second octave up (marked with one dot in the tablature) is covered by the letters Q, U. Lastly, the three highest notes (top end of the instrument) is played by the keys I, O and P.
Underneath the main graph of the instrument, there are some additional tools that allow you to try out and learn with the instrument. In the song tab, there is a number tab section. This section shows an image of a strip of numbers for three pre-programmed songs: Amazing Grace; Ode to Joy; and Twinkle. Choose one of the songs and then the correct number sequence play through. Clicking the play button makes that strip play across the screen so you can follow along and get a feel for the rhythm of each song.
An additional feature is the Tremolo option. With this activated, holding a tine down cause it to vibrate rapidly. This gives a similar effect to moving your thumb quickly over both tines. It adds extra texture to held notes but is a characteristic sound of the kalimba.
You’ll find a few extra buttons such as the transport bar where you have control over the master output (a handy feature when using it around others or keeping your volume down at night). The fullscreen button will maximize the instrument to fill more of the screen. You might like doing this if you don’t want any distractions while focusing on the keys. If you want to see the keyboard mappings and remind yourself of the numbering system, there’s a How to Play button you can press which will pop open a small help panel with a quick reference guide.
For maximum enjoyment, I recommend alternating between keyboard and mouse input. The keyboard provides precise control over faster passage work, whereas mouse clicking make it easy to execute glissandos. For those learning to read number tablature, use one of the built-in songs as a starting point. Try practicing Twinkle on the lower notes first. When you feel confident, try Ode to Joy to practice the middle range. Then if you like, have a go at Amazing Grace which will stretch up into the higher octaves. To add an extra twist, experiment with the tremolo effect on the low notes to produce a vibrating sound.
That’s just the layout. Now have fun improvising on it. It was set up so that each tine is pitched to match the next one. So if you look at them, you know which way the melody moves along. And if you lose track then you can always return to the number tabs above them to remind yourself.
Don’t fret over making mistakes either, the instrument is designed to be forgiving. Simply enjoy the sounds that emerge from your screen. This kalimba gives a straight-forward musical experience right away. You can use it as a sketchpad if you are a musician, or you can try playing something for yourself if you are just musically curious. Get plucking those tines and let’s see what tunes you compose.