resonantthe instrument studio

THE OPEN MUSIC ROOM

Play kalimba online.

Touch
Soft sounds warmer. Bold sounds brighter.

Choose Play to tap or glide across the instrument. Choose Rotate to change your view. Use Play close-up for larger playing surfaces. The note controls below also work with your keyboard.

Your keys. Your rhythm.

Press two or more keys together for a chord.

←→ switch instrumentesc stop sound
Playing preferences

Try a tune

Hear it on kalimba, then make it your own.

Keep the beat

Set your tempo and play along.

The click is for practice and is not included in recordings.
PLAY. EXPLORE. REPEAT.

A closer look at the kalimba.

Guide updated

Play a free 17-tine virtual kalimba with bell-like sampled notes. Explore its alternating layout using your mouse, touch screen, or note buttons.

Explore a 17-tine kalimba, with the lowest note in the middle and higher notes alternating to either side. Try a small repeating pattern and let it ring.

Play your next note

How do I play the online kalimba?

In 3D view, choose Play to tap, strum, or glide across a playing surface. Hold keys or wind surfaces to sustain a note. Choose Rotate to inspect the model; scroll or pinch to zoom. Use the labeled note controls or computer keys for chords and the full range. Classic view provides the original illustrated playing surface. Pluck the silver tines with a tap. The labeled keyboard controls below the kalimba list all 17 notes in ascending order.

What sounds does the virtual kalimba use?

Kalimba samples capture a metallic attack and a soft, bell-like decay.

Audio & tune credits
TRY IT. LISTEN. MAKE IT YOURS.

Match the tine layout to a rising melody

Start with ordered note buttons, then find the same pitches on the alternating tines. This separates learning the melody from learning the visual layout.

Starting tempo: 60 BPM. Use Keep the beat for a steady pulse.

  1. 1C4 (A)
  2. 2E4 (D)
  3. 3G4 (G)
  4. 4C5 (K)
  5. 5G4 (G)
  6. 6E4 (D)
  7. 7D4 (S)
  8. 8C4 (A)
  1. Learn the pitch order

    Use the labeled controls or A, D, G, K, G, D, S and A. Play one note per beat with the metronome at 60 BPM.

  2. Locate the same tines

    Switch to Classic view. Find the lowest C4 near the center, then locate E4, G4 and C5 by their labels. Higher pitches alternate outward rather than simply moving left to right.

  3. Repeat on the illustration

    Play the same phrase on the tines. Slow down or pause between attempts if reaching a tine disrupts the pulse.

Try next: Play C4 and G4 together with A and G, then E4 and C5 with D and K. Compare those two ringing pairs with the single-note phrase.

How do I record the kalimba in Resonant?

  1. Choose your playing controls

    Choose Play in 3D view or switch to Classic. Tap a playing surface, use the labeled note controls, or press a computer-key shortcut to enable sound.

  2. Record your idea

    Press Record above the instrument, then play your phrase. This records studio audio without using your microphone. Each take can last up to five minutes.

  3. Listen and keep a copy

    Press Stop, open Recordings, and listen to the take. Choose Download WAV or Original audio to keep a file. Saved takes stay on this device; clearing browser storage removes them.

A few useful notes about the kalimba

Why are the kalimba notes arranged on both sides?

The lowest tine sits in the center; higher pitches alternate outward. The labeled keyboard controls instead list all 17 notes in ascending order.

Can I play the kalimba with two thumbs?

On a touch screen, use two labeled note controls, or tap different tines in Classic view. On a computer, press multiple labeled shortcuts to combine ringing notes.

Tap or press a key to enable sound