TIP: A Karimba Improvisational Strategy Part 6

The fourth intervals

This is an exercise which uses the “fourth” intervals (ie, they span 4 notes) on the lower row of karimba tines. Again, be sure that you are starting on the right two notes. You may want to go back to the previous tip and see how the “thirds” sound compared to the “fourths”. My take on it: the third intervals sound more European, and the fourth intervals sound more African. Of course, it really isn’t that simple – both European and African music use both 4ths and 3rds, but I think the way the 4th sounds is itself more African, and the way the 3rd sounds is more European.

The long range plan in this series: the right thumb will play something low, strong, and supportive while the left thumb plays a dancing melody.  Ultimately, I’d like you to be able to improvise on the left side.  

We are just doing an exercise to learn more about the various intervals in general, but this is training for the right thumb’s part.

Remember these intervals – they are not difficult and sound great, and can be woven into many songs.