Winter Wonderland, Played on G Alto and Bb Treble Kalimbas

Most kalimbas are in just one particular key. But what do you do when the song requires notes that are out of that key?

Of course, you can get a Chromatic Kalimba, with the “sharps/flats” on the back side. But there is a simpler technique also available, especially if the song just temporarily modulates to a different key, such as in “Winter Wonderland”:

The verses are all played on the G Alto Kalimba. The bridge is half in the key of Bb, and half in the key of D. I play the Bb part of the bridge by picking up a Bb Treble Kalimba.  The second half of the bridge, in D, can actually be played on the G Alto. I just avoid thee C natural, which is NOT in the key of D… until the final chord, which is a D7, leading us back into the key of G, and the verse… which are also on the G Alto Kalimba.

Study this video for ideas about changing kalimbas – I arrange a one measure rest to accomplish that, and let the kalimba sustain the last chord.

Also look here to study about accompaniment.

Generally, the accompaniment can be on the side opposite the melody notes, which is easy to accomplish. But early in the song, I have to reach over the to LEFT side with my RIGHT thumb (it is a walking base line over a ii -> V progression).

And there are places where I play notes, and immediately deaden them to make staccato notes.

Even though the Hugh Tracey Alto Kalimbas are not being made any longer, we do still have a few in stock: