A Living, Breathing Music Box: It’s Time to Try Kalimba!
If you are stuck in your home with nothing but work and finding it challenging to disentangle yourself, Kalimba is here to help.
I will constantly stand by my opinion that playing a musical instrument is the ultimate workout. Don’t get me wrong, there is no substitute for exercising daily and eating healthy, but playing instruments has benefits not only for physical health, but also mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. During these traumatic times, we can find comfort in music, and learning an instrument is always good.
One day, I got a YouTube suggestion to watch how to play Kalimba. I instantly fell in love with the instrument – decided to buy it – and started playing it hook, line and sinker.
Kalimba, also known as Mbira, thumb piano etc. is a trendy musical instrument in Africa where it was originated and is now loved by people all over the world. It sounds like a conventional music box.
It has metal tines or teeth that you pluck with your thumbs – thus the name “thumb piano.” Kalimba can have various numbers of keys as well. You can also find easier ones with seven or eight tines, and more superior with seventeen or more.
It’s easy as 1 2 3!
Are you also one of those who grew up listening to Freddie Mercury songs or someone who fantasized about playing a musical instrument in a concert, then this is your chance to learn a skill.
The uniqueness of Kalimba entices you to enter into the simplicity of mind. If you approach Kalimba with physical strength, rather than intelligence and careful thinking, you will not really bond with the soul of the instrument. It is advisable to make yourself soft, open and receptive. Open your mind to sensitivity and let Kalimba gradually uncover its enigmas to you over the days and years that you play.
Played on its own or used to add flavour to compositions, you can have Kalimba talent in a short time. Usually, it comes with a User eBook that can play a song in 5 minutes. I can explain some of the basics that are very useful when you are first starting to learn this instrument.
Hold it with your both hands, thumbs over the box. You can use your index finger to give more support. Then use your thumb to pluck tines and play music. Fingernails have an important part in the playing as some techniques are not achievable without them. Naturally, when you start learning you will do so using the flesh on your fingertips, gradually advancing towards the fingernail method. You can achieve harmonic or rhythmic sounds either by plucking the keys concurrently, or alternating plucks. Tones can be overlapped to make the sound similar to that of an orchestra.
It is no secret that Kalimba is one of the simplest instruments you can learn. It’s not rocket science. Contrary to the regular piano, it doesn’t have dozens of keys, and complicated chords and scales to learn. This means that greenhorns that have even a hint of musicality can absorb this to play something in a couple of minutes.
Can’t stop falling in love with this baby
Once you get your hands on this little baby, you will not be able to put it down. It is kind of soft and peaceful, so don’t be worried to get any complaints about its sound from your neighbours.
You can order it online, Amazon offers a variety of different colours, shapes, and styles to choose from. It is a rather reasonable gadget from the thumping family. Starting at around $20, you will have a super versatile instrument that you can discover and play for years to come. The best of both worlds!
Most of them are handmade and there are a lot of choices available when it comes to aesthetics and much to consider when it comes to quality and sturdiness. There are even more pricey models available once you start to move into the more specialized classifications, showing more legitimacy to the African roots of the instrument.
The serene sounds of a Kalimba are the perfect way to calm your mind when you need some peace. It helps you understand music in a totally different way from any other instrument.
With everything going on these days, from COVID-19 to the normal worries of having a job, or whatever else you are dealing with, it’s natural to find yourself feeling distressed or flabbergasted. It might not solve all of your issues but there is no harm in taking a break from your work and pulling out Kalimba for just half an hour. It will be a good way to calm yourself down and take your mind off of whatever may be troubling you.
May you have a delightful and melodious voyage!
From the August 2021 issue of FHM India.
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