10 Easy Kalimba Songs for Beginners

For anyone new to the Kalimba, there are several easy and beginner-friendly songs that will help you progress along your musical journey.

The Kalimba is a small but very beautiful and fun-sounding instrument. Learning it is not that hard. It’s essentially a wooden box, with or without tuned tines on top of it. The tines are usually metal but can be made of any material, including bamboo or plastic.

Regarding the song choice, there are multiple easy songs to learn on this instrument, so without further ado, let’s go right ahead.

1. Can’t Help Falling In Love – Elvis Presley

To start the list you have Can’t Help Falling In Love by Elvis Presley. What’s there to say about this song other than it’s a timeless classic that anyone enjoys. Playing it on the kalimba is no different.

This tutorial video, although not played by a person, will show you exactly how to play Can’t Help Falling In Love on the kalimba. Just hearing the song played on this instrument sends shivers throughout your body and makes for a pleasant and enjoyable experience all around.

2. My Heart Will Go On – Celine Dion

Another timeless classic that everyone knows and enjoys. My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion is often regarded as one of the world’s best songs. Playing it on the kalimba is a great way to enhance your playing skills.

Taking a closer look at the tutorial video, you will see that the song is full of single notes only. The challenge lies in playing fast without making mistakes or hitting wrong notes. The tempo is slow and easily followable. I’m sure you will have fun with this one.

3. Hallelujah – Leonard Cohen

If not from the Shrek movie, you surely have heard of Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen. This song is amazing regardless of the instrument or setting. The same goes for the kalimba.

Even listening to the tutorial gives you warm feelings and just makes you want to learn this song as quickly as possible. It’s a very easy song to master and will without a doubt be a go-to at any family gathering.

4. Somewhere Over The Rainbow – Judy Garland

Hearing Somewhere Over The Rainbow on kalimba just sounds right. It sounds like a song that will put your child to bed peacefully. The song is incredibly ethereal and calming while still being cute.

It’s very easy to learn just by watching the tutorial video, even if you haven’t touched a kalimba before. If you have a kalimba, I highly recommend picking up this song. The song is slow-paced and will certainly be easy for any player to master in no time.

5. Kiss The Rain – Yiruma

One of my favorite artists of all time is Yiruma. Kiss The Rain is an amazing piece that is played on the piano but is also beautiful when played on the kalimba. Putting this song in any setting or instrument will fit no matter what.

On the kalimba, it is beautiful and touching when played properly. The tutorial is easy to follow and will surely bring tears of joy to anyone listening to you perform it. If you want a beautiful piece like this under your belt, pick up your kalimba and learn this masterful song.

6. You Are My Sunshine – Jimmy Davis & Charles Mitchell

Everyone has heard You Are My Sunshine at least a couple of times in their life. This beautiful piece is probably one of the most well-known folk songs.

Learning to play this song on the kalimba is incredibly easy and makes for a fun little experience to be able to play it when the circumstances are just right. The tutorial video takes you on a step-by-step journey to successfully learn this song and play it in front of family and friends.

7. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star – Jane Taylor

When it comes to easy and beginner-friendly songs, none is more suitable than Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. The song is a traditional piece of music that has been around for a long time.

Learning to play this song on the kalimba sound just right and almost like a bedtime story for children. The tutorial video goes over all the tones and will surely only take you about an hour or so to master it. Next time you put your baby to sleep, you can very well play this beautiful tune.

8. Happy Birthday – Patty Hill

Wouldn’t it be nice to wish someone a happy birthday with a kalimba? Happy Birthday is a very old tune that has been performed and recorded by many musicians.

Learning this song on the kalimba will further your development on the instrument and make for an interesting surprise when wishing someone a happy birthday.

The tutorial shows you in detail how to learn this tune. Use this tutorial to help you master the song and show off your skills. Next time someone has a birthday, be sure to pull out your kalimba and give them a show.

9. Jingle Bells – James Pierpont

Jingle Bells by James Pierpont is an American song that is known worldwide. Another incredibly easy song to play on the kalimba. Learning this song will be fun because it is so easy, and you’ll be able to impress your friends.

The tutorial video is short but that’s all you need to learn this one successfully. It shouldn’t take more than an hour to have this one down. Grab your kalimba and go for it!

10. Under The Sea – Disney Song

Closing off the list with a very fun and interesting song. Under The Sea is a beautiful song from Disney that took everyone on a fun adventure when we were younger.

Learning this song on the kalimba is very easy, with lots of fun-sounding notes that when put together make this song one that we remember and love.

The tutorial video goes through the whole song and is a fun way of learning this Disney classic! The kalimba makes this song sound even more like a Disney song than it already is.

Summary

There are a lot of easy songs on the kalimba that are perfect for beginners. If you are new to the instrument, there’s no better way to start than with these easy songs! The tutorial videos show you how each song should be played step by step so it should only take a few hours of practice until you have them all mastered.

All the songs on the list are beautiful in their own way. If you are looking to expand your kalimba library, these easy songs are sure to be useful for when the moment arises. Maybe next time you have a family gathering, break out your kalimba and give them a show!