I return once again, but this time I return from practicing a new instrument. Last weekend we went to the fair and I bought two things: A Minecraft Gold Sword necklace and a kalimba. A kalimba is also called a Thumb Piano and it originated in Africa. The one I bought is probably made out of a gourd, and it has seven keys. Over the past few days I have been practicing, creating songs, and testing out different ways to play. After I got the kalimba, I started researching how to play. I figured out it is best to play with your thumb nails, not your actual thumbs but that would not work for me. Since my nails are so short, I have to play with my thumbs which leads up to them hurting but I still find playing the kalimba fun and easy. Some of the thumb pianos online have two layers so those would probably be harder to play. Even though my kalimba is smaller than some, it has beautiful designs on both the back and front. Most of them have no designs while some only have it on the front. The one I bought is also handmade in Ghana, so I personally like it better than the other ones. African art and instruments are my favorites out of other places because I find their things very unique and beautiful. I posted a quick video below on one of the kalimba songs I made, so feel free to watch it.
Here is the exact pattern I played using numbers (1 is the very left, 7 is the very right):
Do this part 3 times: 4, 3, 5, 2, 6, 1, 7, 1
Do this part 1 time: 7, 7, 7, 6, 5, 4
Do this part 1 time: 4, 3, 2, 1
Do this part 1 time: 6, 5, 7
Do this part 1 time: 7, 7, 6, 5, 4
Do this part 1 time: 4, 3, 5, 4...
4.... means 4 and then 4 multiple times afterwards lighter each time like an echo effect. Sorry if that was a little confusing, but the video might help. Since I don't have an eight note or higher I cannot explain how to do it on the other Thumb Pianos. Well, I'll be signing off here. I hope you enjoyed this post and the video!
I love this instrument! It sounds even better in person.
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