Are you a fan of the hit Disney movie “Moana” and its soundtrack? If so, you may have heard the song “How Far I’ll Go” sung by Auli’i Cravalho. This iconic song has captured the hearts of many with its inspiring lyrics and catchy melody.
If you’re looking for a unique way to play this song, you may want to try playing it on a kalimba. The kalimba, also known as a thumb piano, is a musical instrument that originated in Africa. It is played by plucking metal tines with your thumbs to create beautiful melodies. There are many tutorials and resources available online that can help you learn how to play “How Far I’ll Go” on the kalimba. With some practice, you can impress your friends and family with your musical skills.
Kalimba Basics
The Instrument
The kalimba, also known as a thumb piano, is an African instrument that is played by plucking metal or wooden tines attached to a wooden board or box. It is a simple instrument that is easy to learn and is perfect for beginners.
The kalimba comes in different shapes and sizes, but the basic design remains the same. It usually has between 8 to 17 tines that are arranged in a diatonic scale, which means that it has seven notes per octave.
Learning to Play
Learning to play the kalimba is easy and requires no prior musical knowledge. There are many tutorials available online that can help you get started. You can also find many beginner-friendly kalimbas that come with instructional materials.
To start playing, hold the kalimba in both hands and use your thumbs to pluck the tines. The tines are usually marked with the notes they produce, making it easy to play simple melodies.
Notes and Scales
The kalimba is tuned to a specific key, usually C major, D major, E major, G major, A major, or B major. Each key has a different set of notes and scales that you can play.
The notes on the kalimba are arranged in a diatonic scale, which means that they follow a specific pattern of whole and half steps. The notes in the C major scale, for example, are C, D, E, F, G, A, and B.
Each note on the kalimba can also be played in a higher octave by plucking the tine closer to the end, or in a lower octave by plucking the tine closer to the base. The middle C on the kalimba is usually located in the center of the tine arrangement.
Advanced Techniques
Tab Conversion
For those who are familiar with reading sheet music, converting tabs to sheet music can be a useful skill. There are many online kalimba tab converters available that can help with this task. One such converter is the Online Kalimba Tab Converter, which allows users to input kalimba tabs and convert them into sheet music. This tool can be especially helpful for those who prefer reading sheet music or for those who want to share their kalimba arrangements with others who may not be familiar with tablature.
Special Techniques
In addition to the basic techniques of playing the kalimba, there are several special techniques that can be used to add variety and interest to your playing. One such technique is the slide or glissando. This involves sliding your thumb or finger along the tines of the kalimba to create a smooth, sliding sound. To perform a slide, simply place your thumb or finger on a tine and slide it up or down the tine while maintaining contact with the tine.
Another special technique is the use of parentheses in tabs. Parentheses can be used to indicate notes that are played together as a chord or to indicate a note that is played quickly and then released. For example, the tab (3) indicates that the third tine should be played at the same time as the other notes in the chord, while the tab 3(4) indicates that the third tine should be played quickly and then released before playing the fourth tine.
Song Tutorials
If you’re looking to learn how to play “How Far I’ll Go” from Moana on your kalimba, there are plenty of resources available online. Here are some of the best tutorials, tabs, and sheet music to get you started.
Disney Songs
Disney songs are always popular choices for kalimba players, and “How Far I’ll Go” is no exception. There are many tutorials available on YouTube that will guide you through playing the song on your kalimba. Some of the most popular tutorials include:
- Kalimba Tutorial: How Far I’ll Go from Moana
- How Far I’ll Go (Kalimba Cover Tutorial)
- Kalimba tutorial with tabs: Moana – How Far I’ll Go
Other Popular Tunes
If you’re looking for more than just “How Far I’ll Go,” there are plenty of other popular tunes that you can learn on your kalimba. Some of the most popular include:
- “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen
- “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz
- Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley
Sheet Music and Resources
If you prefer to learn from sheet music or books, there are plenty of resources available online. Some of the best include:
- Kalimba Magic – This website offers a wide selection of kalimbas, as well as books and sheet music for beginners and advanced players alike.
- KalimbaTabs.net – This website offers a wide selection of kalimba tabs for popular songs, including “How Far I’ll Go.”
- Amazon – Amazon offers a wide selection of kalimba books and sheet music, including “The Kalimba Songbook” by Thomas Balinger.
No matter how you choose to learn, playing the kalimba can be a fun and uplifting experience. So grab your instrument and start playing!
Other Instruments
If you’re interested in playing “How Far I’ll Go” on a different instrument, there are many options to choose from. Here are some similar instruments that you might enjoy playing the song on:
Similar Instruments
Piano
The piano is a classic instrument that can play a wide range of music, including “How Far I’ll Go.” If you’re comfortable reading sheet music, there are many piano arrangements available online. Alternatively, you can try playing the melody with your right hand and the chords with your left.
Clarinet
The clarinet has a warm, mellow tone that can bring a unique flavor to the song. You’ll need to learn the fingerings for each note, but once you’ve mastered them, you’ll be able to play “How Far I’ll Go” with ease.
Xylophone
The xylophone is a percussion instrument that can add a playful, upbeat vibe to the song. You’ll need to learn the correct mallet technique, but once you’ve got that down, you’ll be able to create a bright, cheerful sound.
Flute
The flute is a delicate instrument that can add a soft, ethereal quality to the song. You’ll need to learn the fingerings for each note, but once you’ve mastered them, you’ll be able to play the melody with ease.
Recorder
The recorder is a simple, affordable instrument that can be a great option for beginners. You’ll need to learn the fingerings for each note, but once you’ve got that down, you’ll be able to play “How Far I’ll Go” with ease.
Ocarina
The ocarina is a small, portable instrument that can be a great option for playing “How Far I’ll Go” on the go. You’ll need to learn the fingerings for each note, but once you’ve mastered them, you’ll be able to create a sweet, melancholic sound.
Glockenspiel
The glockenspiel is a percussion instrument that can add a bright, sparkling quality to the song. You’ll need to learn the correct mallet technique, but once you’ve got that down, you’ll be able to create a cheerful, upbeat sound.
Otamatone
The otamatone is a quirky, electronic instrument that can add a fun, playful vibe to the song. You’ll need to learn the correct finger positions, but once you’ve got that down, you’ll be able to create a unique, whimsical sound.
History of Kalimba
The kalimba is a musical instrument that has a long and rich history. It is also known as a thumb piano and is found in many cultures around the world. Here is a brief overview of the history of the kalimba.
- Origins: The kalimba is believed to have originated in Africa, specifically in the region that is now known as Zimbabwe. The first kalimbas were made from gourds and had only a few tines. Over time, the instrument evolved and became more complex.
- Spread to other cultures: As people from different cultures interacted with each other, the kalimba spread to other parts of the world. It is now found in many countries, including China, Indonesia, and the United States.
- Different types of kalimbas: There are many different types of kalimbas, each with its unique sound and design. Some of the most common types include the diatonic kalimba, the chromatic kalimba, and the kalimba with a resonator box.
- Popularity: The kalimba has gained popularity in recent years, thanks in part to social media and the internet. Many people are discovering the beauty and simplicity of this instrument and are using it to create music in a variety of genres.
The kalimba is a fascinating instrument with a rich history and a bright future. Whether you are a seasoned musician or a beginner, the kalimba is a great instrument to learn and play.
