How To Tune Your Kalimba

An out-of-tune kalimba is definitely not music to the ears. Because the exposed tines of the kalimba tend to drift out of tune as the kalimba gets moved around, dropped or when the tines get caught in things; learning how to tune a kalimba should be one of the first things beginners are taught to make sure you learn to play a kalimba that sounds great. You can learn the basics of tuning and some alternative methods of getting your tines in pitch.

1. Download or purchase a tuner. Before you play the kalimba, you must make sure it’s in tune or it won’t sound right. You can download a simple tuning app on your phone or you can purchase a digital guitar tuner. Once you have the tuner, turn it on and place it next to your kalimba.

• Android system app: gStrings

• Apple system app: Instuner

• You can purchase a guitar tuner online or at a music store.

2. Know the correct notes for each tine. It’ll be hard to tune the kalimba without knowing the proper notes for each tine. Most kalimbas have the note engraved on each tine or it comes with a sticker with the notes printed out that you can label the tines with. Assuming you own a 17 key kalimba, starting with the lowest, middle tine (which should be the longest tine) going from left to right, the standard tuning for the tines is, from low to high.

• C D E F G A B C D E F G A B C D E

3. Hit the center tine and look at the note on the tuner. Find the center tine and pluck it with your fingernail while looking at the tuner. The tine should vibrate and a note should ring out.

• Tines are like the keys on a piano.

4. Pluck each tine individually and hammer the tine up or down to match it to the correct pitch. If you’re using an electric tuner (or a online tuner app on your phone), turn it on and hold it close enough to the kalimba so it can pick up enough sound. A kalimba tuning hammer is a small metal hammer that can be purchased online. Lightly tap the bottom end of the tine upward to raise the note. Pluck it again and see what note it is. Pluck the tine repeatedly and hammer it up or down until it matches the pitch as closely as possible.

• If you’re sharp (too high) lower the note by hammering the tine downward, making it lower, until you get it to the proper pitch.

• If you’re flat (too low) then you need to raise the note by hammering the tine upwards, making the note higher. Keep hammering the tine until you reach the proper pitch.

• You can also match the kalimba itself, to a piano, or any other instrument to match the pitch. If you’re playing the kalimba, for example, ask for the middle C and adjust the tuning of middle tine until you’ve matched the pitch.

5. Tap the tine upward with a tuning hammer if the note is flat. If the tuner reads ♭, that means the tine is flat and needs to be tuned higher. Lightly tap the bottom of the tine to move it upward. Play the tine again by plucking it to see whether it is in tune.

• For example, f you’re using an 17-tine kalimba and the tuner reads C♭ or B, that means the note is flat and the tine needs to be repositioned.

• You don’t have to use a lot of force when tapping the tine. Do it very lightly to make slight adjustments.

6. Tap the tine downward with a tuning hammer if the note is sharp. If the tuner reads ♯, that means the tine is sharp and needs to be lowered. Lightly tap the top of the tine to move it downward. Play the tine again by plucking it to see whether it is in tune.

• For example, if you're using an 17-tine kalimba and the center tine reads C♯ or D, it means that the note is sharp and the tine must be lowered.

7. Tune the rest of the kalimba. Repeat the process on the rest of the kalimba, following the key chart to ensure that each tine is in tune. Once you’ve positioned all the tines in the proper position, your kalimba should be in tune and ready to play.

Quick Tuning Tips

• How do I use the tuning hammer?

  A longer tine will produce a lower pitch, while a shorter tine will produce a higher pitch. To raise the pitch of a tine, loosen the bridge holding the tine in place and use the tuning hammer to tap the tine toward the bridge until the it reaches the desired pitch. To lower the pitch, tap the end of the tine away from the bridge to reach the desired pitch. Then tighten the bridge and play the instrument.

• How do I play a flat or sharp note on a kalimba?

  You can change sharps and flats to naturals. You may be able to get away with changing sharps/flats to more distant chord tones in the harmony (e.g. change an F sharp in the bass to a D when you're playing a D major chord).

• Is it possible to retune a kalimba to a different key?

  Yes, as long as you don't go a bit too far and remove the prong.

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