Virtual Kalimba — Play Online
Tap the tines to play. Switch between 10 and 17 tine modes, choose a tuning, record a short loop, and enjoy the meditative sound of the thumb piano — no instrument needed.
💻 Keyboard: A S D F G H J K L — left to right across centre tines
Loop Recorder
Record up to 8 seconds, then loop it.
Not recording
✅ How to Use the Virtual Kalimba
- Tap any tine to play it. On desktop, use keyboard keys shown on the tines.
- Switch between 10 tine (beginner) and 17 tine (standard) modes using the buttons above.
- Change the Tuning to play in different keys — C Major is the most common.
- Toggle Reverb on for a warm, resonant sound — off for a drier, cleaner tone.
- Use the Loop Recorder: press Record, play a melody, press Stop — then Play to loop it.
How It Works
Each tine is synthesised using the Web Audio API. A short sine-wave burst with inharmonic overtones mimics the metallic resonance of a real kalimba tine, followed by a natural exponential decay of 3–4 seconds. A synthetic reverb impulse response adds room ambience. The loop recorder timestamps each note as you play, then replays them with exact timing using the Web Audio clock — so the loop stays perfectly in time. All processing runs locally in your browser.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a kalimba?
A kalimba (also called thumb piano or mbira) is a small African instrument with metal tines of different lengths mounted on a wooden board. You pluck the tines with your thumbs. It produces a soft, bell-like tone and is one of the easiest instruments to learn.
What is the difference between 10 and 17 tines?
A 10-tine kalimba usually uses a compact beginner-friendly pentatonic layout, making simple melodies and improvisation easier. A 17-tine covers two and a half octaves and is the standard for playing complete songs. Both use the same alternating left-right tine layout.
Why are the tines arranged in a zigzag pattern?
On a real kalimba, notes alternate between the left and right thumb as you move outward from centre. This means ascending notes zigzag left-right, which feels natural when playing with both thumbs. This virtual kalimba mirrors that layout exactly.
How long can I record?
Up to 8 seconds. The loop recorder captures the exact timing of each note and replays it continuously using the Web Audio clock, so it stays perfectly in tempo.
What do the tuning options mean?
Each tuning shifts all tines to a different key. C Major is the standard factory tuning for most kalimbas. G Major is common for folk and Celtic sounds. A Minor gives a more melancholy, emotional quality. All tunings use the same finger positions — the key just changes.
Can I use a computer keyboard to play?
Yes — keyboard keys are shown on each tine. The layout maps naturally to the alternating tine pattern so you can play melodies without looking.
17-Tine Note Layout (C Major)
Tines are numbered from centre outward, alternating left and right.
| Position | Side | Note | Swar (C=Sa) | Octave |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (centre) | — | C | Sa | 4 |
| 2 | Right | D | Re | 4 |
| 3 | Left | E | Ga | 4 |
| 4 | Right | F | Ma | 4 |
| 5 | Left | G | Pa | 4 |
| 6 | Right | A | Dha | 4 |
| 7 | Left | B | Ni | 4 |
| 8 | Right | C | Sa | 5 |
| 9 | Left | D | Re | 5 |
Pattern continues outward up to E6 on the 17-tine version.
References & Notes
- Standard 17-tine kalimba tuned to C Major (Hugh Tracey layout)
- Audio synthesis via Web Audio API — no sound files required
- Swar mapping: C = Sa (relative, not fixed pitch)
- Loop recorder uses Web Audio clock for sample-accurate timing
This is a simulation tool for learning and entertainment.