Also known as a thumb piano, the Kalimba is a unique musical instrument that is known for its incredibly soothing sound. It is worth mentioning that beginner players can start creating beautiful melodies easily with this musical instrument once they have successfully mastered its playing techniques.
To play the musical instrument, you have to use your thumbs. That is why it is referred to as a thumb piano. This musical instrument is fast gaining popularity, and it is seen as an ideal musical instrument for relaxation, music therapy, entertainment, and the likes.
As mentioned earlier, the novice or beginner player can begin to play their favorite melodies on the musical instrument without any hassle. An excellent way to learn the musical instrument is by getting a kalimba songbook. With a perfect songbook, you are sure to start playing great songs on the musical instrument in no time.
There are myriads of the kalimba songbook in the market; therefore, you might be confused when it comes to making a choice. To enable you to make an informed choice, we have come up with 20 best kalimba songbooks. These books were carefully chosen, and we have considered several factors. It all depends on the type of songs you are willing to learn.
Some songbooks contain religious songs, kid's songs, American songs, among others. Furthermore, there are books for advanced players, while we also have songbooks that are designed for beginners and intermediate players. You are required to select based on your skill level.
What are the Best Kalimba Books to Buy?
2) The Big Kalimba Songbook: 100+ Songs for Kalimba in C
- Easy arrangements
- Large notation
- Comes with over 100 famous songs
- The songs are carefully arranged for natural playing in C tuning
1) Kalimba Songbook: 50 Easy Classic Songs
- Large notation and special kalimba tablature
- Tips on playing position, care and maintenance
- Tips on tuning kalimba and the basics of reading music
3) Kalimba Songbook: Christmas Songs
- Easy arrangements
- Large notation
- Tips on playing position, care and maintenance
- Tips on tuning kalimba and a short introduction to reading music
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Kalimba Songbook
For you to buy a perfect songbook that will give you the value for your money, you have to consider going some essential factors before for a kalimba songbook. Some of the critical factors that you must not overlook when going for a kalimba Songbook are as follows:
The author's reputation
The knowledge and the experience of the author matters a lot because it has a direct impact book's quality. So, you should buy a songbook that is written by an experienced and well-known author.
The content of songbook
The content of the book is of utmost importance; you should go through the content before buying. Make sure the contents are relevant, and they meet your needs. Buying a book with irrelevant content is a waste of money, therefore endeavor to look through the content before making your buying decision.
Your skill level
If you are a student player or beginner player, you have to go for a songbook designed for your skill level. Kalimba songbooks designed for beginners are easy to use. The songs are meticulously arranged so that novice players can start playing without any hassle.
20 Best Kalimba Book Reviews
1) Kalimba Songbook: 50 Easy Classic Songs
Do you need an easy-to-follow songbook that will make enhance your learning? If yes, then you should consider this fantastic songbook. It comprises 50 popular songs that are arranged for 10 and 17 kalimbas. The book was independently published on June 6, 2019. Its dimension measures 8.5 x 0.2 x 11 inches, and it contains about 78 pages.
Furthermore, the book features special kalimba tablature as well as a large notation to make life easy for learners. Apart from that, you will learn how to care and maintain the musical instrument, tips on how to position yourself while playing. You will also learn the rudiments of reading music, and how to tune your Kalimba.
Among the songs that you will come across in the book are Banks of Sacramento, Amazing Grace, Cumberland gap, Goodnight Ladies, London Bridge is falling down, Give me the old-time religion. Others are a Jolly good fellow; Mary had a little lamb, On top of Old Smokey, and many more.
2) The Big Kalimba Songbook: 100+ Songs for Kalimba in C
This is an excellent book for all players who are keen on learning Kalimba. It comes with over 100 famous songs that you will love to learn and play. The book is designed for students as well as beginner players.
Some of its notable features are easy-to-understand arrangement, an additional line of kalimba tablature, and large notation. The book was published independently on June 28, 2019. It is written in English.
The book contains about 159 pages and is quite portable. The songs are carefully arranged for natural playing in C tuning, either on a 17 key or 10 key kalimba. Some of these are All good times are past and gone, Amazing grace, Beautiful brown eyes, Blood on the saddle, Boil them Cabbage down, Bury me on the lone prairie, Give me that old-time religion, Joy to the world, among others.
3) Kalimba Songbook: Christmas Songs
Are you interested in learning your favorite Christmas songs on Kalimba? If that is the case, then you must give this excellent book a try. It contains a collection of well-known Christmas songs arranged for both 17 and 10 kalimba.
The songbook contains 57 pages, and its dimension measures 8.5 x 0.1 x 11 inches. The book is written in English, and it was published independently on July 6, 2019.
If you need a new songbook to learn your favorite Christmas songs, then you should not take this book for granted. It comes with a plethora of interesting features. Among them are special kalimba tablature, large notation, among others.
Some of your favorite Christmas songs included in this songbook are Away in a manger, Christ was born on Christmas Day, I saw three ships, While the Shepherd watched, and many others.
4) 21 Simple Letter-Coded Songs Song for Kalimba for Beginners
Are you looking for a songbook that will teach your children how to play the Kalimba easily? If that is your desire, then you should consider this unique songbook. Apart from that, the songbook is designed for beginner players who desire to learn Kalimba without any hassle. The book was published independently on January 31, 2019. Its dimension measures 7 x 0.1 x 10 inches. The songbook contains about 28 pages.
The book is designed to enable you to play by notes without any difficulties. The sheet music is ideal for 10, 8, as well as a 17-note kalimba. Some of the kids' songs contained in this songbook are Hot Cross Buns, The wheel on the bus, Jingle bells, Happy birthday, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, We wish you a merry Christmas, Row, row, row your boat, Amazing Grace, and others.
5) Kalimba Songbook: Hymns and Songs of Worship
If you are keen on learning hymns and songs of worship using the Kalimba, then this songbook is an excellent option for you. The songbook is meticulously designed for all beginners willing to learn hymn and worship songs with the musical instrument. Apart from its large notation, and simple arrangement, the songbook features additional lines of kalimba tablature for enhanced learning.
The songbook was independently published on October 5, 2019. The book contains about 76 pages. The book also features an introduction to the rudiments of reading music, kalimba tuning, as well as care of the musical instrument.
The songs included are Am I a soldier of the cross, Christ the Lord is risen today, I surrender all, It is well with my soul, Joy to the world, Nearer my God to thee. Other songs are Nothing but the blood, This is the day the Lord has made, Lift up your heads ye mighty gates, Keep me from sinking down, Savior like a shepherd lead us, and many more.
6) Songbooks for Alto Hugh Tracey Kalimba
This songbook was published on November 11, 2017. It is not a large book, so it is easy to carry around in a bag, and it contains 94 pages. The book features about seventy-four easy-to-follow songs that are perfect for both beginner and intermediate players.
The book is written in English, and it is designed to make you an excellent kalimba player without wasting time. Furthermore, those who had used this book in the past commented that it is easy to use. Some of the songs included in the songbook are All good times are past and gone, poor birds, I saw three ships, I can’t feel at home, Beautiful brown eyes, Go tell aunty Rhody, and so on.
7) Gospel songs for Alto Hugh Tracey Kalimba
This is a fantastic songbook from Ondrej Sarek. If you are a student or beginner player to play more gospel songs, then the Gospel Songs for Alto Hugh Tracey Kalimba is your best bet. Furthermore, the book is easy to read. It contains about 42 pages and is around 11 inches long.
CreateSpace Independent publisher published the Gospel Songs for Alto Hugh Tracey Kalimba on May 4, 2018. The book was written to help players who desire to play a solo on the Alto Hugh Tracey Kalimba. In the book, you will find about twenty-three gospels and spiritual songs. With this unique songbook, you can start playing your favorite gospel song to worship God.
8) Kalimba Songbook: Gospel and Spirituals
Are you keen on learning the gospel and spiritual songs on Kalimba? If that is your desire, then you need to get this unique kalimba songbook. The songbook features famous spiritual songs in C, which are specially packaged for students, beginners, and intermediate players. The book was published independently on July 20, 2019. The dimension of the songbook measures 8.5 x 0.1 x 11 inches.
All the songs contained in this excellent book are arranged so that learners can play the songs effortlessly on the Kalimba. Other features of this songbook are large notation, simple arrangement, additional lines of kalimba tablature, among others.
Some of the songs that you will come across when you buy this songbook are I was born about ten thousand years ago, Amazing grace, Glory, glory Hallelujah, keep me from sinking down, The angel rolled the stone away, When the saint go marching in, Nobody knows, My Lord, what a morning, Will the circles be unbroken, and many more.
9) Kalimba Songbook: Children’s Songs
This kalimba songbook contains about 70 popular children's songs. It contains lullabies and nursery rhymes arranged carefully for easy learning. The songbook is ideal for beginner players; it features an additional line of kalimba tablature for simplicity.
Apart from that, the songbook comes with copious notations, and the included songs are arranged for natural playing. The kalimba songbook was published independently on September 14, 2019.
Furthermore, the book is written in English, and it contains about 89 pages. The dimension of the book measures 8.5 x 0.2 x 11 inches. Examples of some children songs contained in the book are Boys and girls, come out to play, Five little Speckled frog, If all the world were paper, It's raining, it's pouring. Others are Here we go, looby loo, one elephant went out, Over the river through the wood, The bear went over the mountain, Row, row, row, Rain rain go away, Jack and Jill, Wee Willi Winkle, and many others.
10) 30 popular Songs with Play-Along Videos for 17-key Kalimba
With this unique book, you will start playing Kalimba like a pro. It comes with 30 popular songs together with play-along videos to enable you to start playing right away. The book comes with myriads of helpful features. Irrespective of your skill level, the book a must-have for all serious kalimba player.
The songbook introduces reader to kalimba tablature. With the play-along video, you will know the exact note to play, therefore you can make use of this songbook effectively with or without music background.
The 30 songs are meticulously chosen to motivate your interest in the Kalimba. Furthermore, the music span across different genres like classical music, Christmas songs, ballads, traditional and folk songs, movie soundtracks, among others.
Some of the songs that you will come across in this songbook are You are my sunshine, She will be coming round the mountain, Love of my life, The moon represent my heart, My heart will go round (Titanic movie), Jingle bells, Silent night, Joy to the world, We wish you a merry Christmas, Over the rainbow, Twinkle, twinkle little star, and many more.
11) First Songbooks for 10 Key Kalimba by Ondrej Sarek
The book comes with 64 interesting and easy-to-learn songs. The songs had been edited to make them easy to follow by beginners as well as intermediate players. The dimension of the book measures 8.5 x 0.1 x 11 inches, and it contains about 57 pages. The First Songbook for 10 key kalimba was published independently on November 6, 2018.
Furthermore, the songs are easy to follow. Some of the songs contained in it are A sailor went to sea, All Night, all day, Angel Band, Go tell it on the mountains, I can’t feel at home, Amazing grace, Paddy on the railway, Mary had a little lamb, and so on. If you need an excellent kalimba songbook to learn your favorite songs, then you should not underestimate this unique book.
12) Second Songbooks for 10 Key Kalimba
If you aim at buying an easy-to-follow kalimba songbook that will help you achieve your dream of becoming a better player, then you must not overlook the second Songbook for 10 Key Kalimba.
The songbook was published independently on November 6, 2018. It contains about 64 pages, and the dimension of the book measures 8.5 x 0.2 x 11 inches. The book features 59 simple songs that are suitable for both intermediate and beginner players.
Furthermore, the songs are carefully arranged to enhance learning. Some of the songs that you will come across are The angels rolled the stone away, all good times are past gone, Are you washed in the blood, Go tell aunty Rhody, Mary had a baby, Twinkle, twinkle little star, and so on.
13) Kalimba Songbook: Americana-Classic American Songs
This kalimba songbook features about 50 classic American songs. Some of them are Bound for the promise land, Come all ye fair and tender, Give me roses while I live, Banks Allan Water, I am sand and I am lonely, Johnny has gone for soldiers, More pretty girls one, Pay me my money down, She’ll be coming round the mountain, The cruel war is raging, The yellow rose of Texas, When Johnny comes marching home, and many more.
The songbook was published independently on October 30, 2019, and its dimension measures 8.5 x 0.2 x 11 inches. It features large notations, an extra line of kalimba tablature, as well as easy arrangement. If you want to learn your favorite American songs with the Kalimba, then you should make this excellent book your companion.
14) Second Songbook for Kalimba B11 Melody
Are you interested in buying a simple songbook that will offer you a satisfactory value for your money? If that is the case, then you should consider the Second book for Kalimba B11 Melody. The book comes with easy-to-learn songs that are carefully arranged for students and intermediate players.
The dimension of the book measures 8.5 x 0.1 x 11 inches, and it contains about 56 pages. The Second songbook for Kalimba BII Melody was published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing platform. If you desire to become an excellent kalimba player without much effort, you should go for this excellent songbook.
15) Songbook for Kalimba Am+G
If you have tried different kalimba songbooks without any positive result, then it’s about time you give this amazing songbook a try. It comes with everything you need to start playing the songs you like.
The songbook is written in English, and it was published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform on October 15, 2016. Furthermore, it contains about 38 pages, and the dimension of the book measures 8.5 x 0.1 x 11 inches.
The songbook is easy to use. It is packaged for players who desire to learn their favorite songs in no time. The songs are meticulously arranged for quick and enhanced learning.
16) Songbooks for Kallimba C diatonic tuning
This unique kalimba songbook was independently published on April 9, 2019. The songbook contains about 73 pages, and its dimension measures 8.5 x 0.2 x 11 inches. The songbook is written in English, and it is easy to follow. The songs are ideal for all levels of players, and whether you are a beginner player or an advanced player, the songbook contains information that will add to your musical knowledge.
Some of the included songs are A sailor went to the sea, Banks of the Ohio, Down by the Sally Garden, Amazing grace, All good times are past and gone, He arose, Go tell aunty Rhody, Mary had a little lamb, Mary had a baby, London bridge, Twinkle, twinkle little star, The drunken sailor, When the saints, and many others.
17) Songbook for Kalimba B11 Melody
If you need a simple yet thorough kalimba songbook, then you should make this excellent music book your choice. The book contains songs that are specially chosen for intermediate and student players. The songs are easy to learn. Apart from that, you will start playing your favorite songs in no time once you are dedicated and determined to learn.
The songbook for Kalimba B11 Melody was published on August 9, 2016, by CreateSpace Independent publisher, and its dimension measures 8.5 x o.1 x 11 inches. The songbook has about 60 pages. With this unique songbook, you will start playing your favorite song in no distant time.
18) The Big Alto Songbook: 100+ Songs for Kalimba in G (15 keys)
The Big Alto Songbook contains over 100 songs that are arranged for 15 key Hugh Tracey Alto kalimba. The songs are carefully arranged to make learning easier for both players. The songbook features easy-to-understand kalimba tablature and large notations. Apart from that, you will learn how to tune your musical instrument, playing position, as well as how you can maintain the Kalimba properly.
The dimension of the songbook measures 8.5 x 0.4 x 11 inches, and it was published independently on August 6, 2019. The book is written in English, and it contains about 157 pages. Some of the songs included in the Big Alto kalimba songbook are A beautiful life, Amazing Grace, All the good times are past and gone, Boil them cabbage down, Bury me not on the lone prairie, Don't this road look rough and rocky, Down the riverside, Give me that old-time religion, Go, tell it on the mountains, He's got the whole world. Others are I ride an old paint, Jingle bells, Jolly good fellow, London bridge is falling down, My home across the smoky mountain, Over the river through and through the woods, Row, row, row your boat, Way down the old plank road, and many others.
19) The Alto Kalimba Songbook: 50 Easy Classics
This songbook features fifty evergreen songs that are arranged for performance on the Kalimba. The songbook comes with a plethora of helpful features, among them are tips on how to get the musical instrument in tune, advice on proper playing position, as well as how to care and maintain the Kalimba.
Apart from that, the songbook comes with special kalimba tablature and extensive notations for enhanced learning. This Songbook was published independently on July 31, 2019, and it contains 74 pages.
Some of the classic songs you are going to come across are Amazing grace, Give me that old time religion, All the good times are past and gone, Good night ladies, House on the rising sun, London bridge is falling down, Midnight on the stormy deep. Others are Over the river through the wood, Roll in my sweet baby's arm, The last rose of summer, Will the circle be unbroken, Twinkle, twinkle little star, Row, row, row your boat, What shall we do with the drunken sailor, and many more.
20) Kalimba: It’s what the cool Kids Play: Wide-Ruled Notebook
Are you looking for a fun gift to present your friend, colleague, or child who is a music lover? You can consider the Kalimba Wide-Ruled Notebook. The book can be used to keep notes, personal journals, and it can also be used for school work. The dimension of the book is 7.4 x 0.3 x 9.7 inches. It was published independently on January 16, 2019. The songbook has about 120 pages.
The book can be used to jot down your music ideas. It is impossible to lose an idea that has been written down, so you can always refer to this excellent book anytime you need to work on your ideas.
Choosing the Best Kalimba Books
Becoming an superb kalimba player starts from buying the right songbook. Therefore, you should carefully look through our 20 top picks, and select your ideal songbook based on your skill level and the type of songs you want to learn.
2) The Big Kalimba Songbook: 100+ Songs for Kalimba in C
- Easy arrangements
- Large notation
- Comes with over 100 famous songs
- The songs are carefully arranged for natural playing in C tuning
1) Kalimba Songbook: 50 Easy Classic Songs
- Large notation and special kalimba tablature
- Tips on playing position, care and maintenance
- Tips on tuning kalimba and the basics of reading music
3) Kalimba Songbook: Christmas Songs
- Easy arrangements
- Large notation
- Tips on playing position, care and maintenance
- Tips on tuning kalimba and a short introduction to reading music
If you prefer to choose from the numerous kalimba songbooks on the market, then you must take note of the critical factors we explained above.