With a kalimba, you can create soft, soothing tones by plucking metal tines with your thumbs. This simple musical instrument originated in Africa and is very similar to the mbira. The kalimba went west and grew in popularity beginning in the mid-1950s. Since then, it's been featured in bands, on Broadway, and even in movie soundtracks. And today, it's considered a portable instrument that's easy to learn how to play. If you bring one home, you'll be plucking out tunes before you know it. To help you get started, here are some of our favorite kalimbas. Kalimba Thumb Piano from Newlam A Piano For Your ThumbsIf you have a music lover in your life, make their day by surprising them with this beautiful finger piano. Best OverallFind on Amazon This finger piano produces marvelous sounds and is beautiful to look at. Each of the 17 keys is made from durable ore steel and they’re embossed with notes for quick identification. The box is made from an air-dried wood that isn’t going to crack on you. The curves on the sides of the box help you to hold the instrument more comfortably. In addition to the instrument, you also get a few other things to help you learn to play. It comes with an instructional booklet to help you get started and a tuning hammer to keep your kalimba sounding pitch-perfect. Plus, you can store your finger piano in the flannelette bag and keep all of the dust off of it. This set even includes a cleaning cloth to keep your instrument clean. It really does have everything you need to start playing. Pros Easy-to-read embossed notes on the keys Comes with colorful key stickers you can use to mark the notes you play often Beautiful craftsmanship, this kalimba is eye-catching with the wooden box and design around the soundhole Cons The instruction book isn’t the best quality. GECKO Kalimba with 17 Keys Instruction IncludedIf you're just getting started with the kalimba, this one comes with access to video and written instruction to help you master your new instrument. Best for BeginnersFind on Amazon If you’re new to the kalimba, consider going with this set. In addition to a mahogany instrument, you also get a thorough instruction booklet and a QR code to access video instructions. These videos can take you through the basics so you can quickly start playing recognizable songs. The kalimba in this set produces an amazing sound. There are 17 metal keys that you can tune with the included tuning hammer. While the tines themselves aren’t marked with notes, there are phonetic stickers you can peel off and place on them. Then, when you no longer need the reference, you can remove them. This instrument can be played and enjoyed by beginners and intermediate players alike. Pros Comes with a flannelette bag for the kalimba and a rigid case that will hold both the instrument and the tuning hammer without damage Packaged nicely, making it a good option for gifting Expression holes on the back of the box so you can create some effects with the sound to change things up Cons The stickers can be a bit difficult to peel off and place correctly since they’re so small. 8 Key Mini Kalimba So Tiny, So CuteThis mini kalimba only has eight tines, so it's perfect for making music on the go. Most PortableFind on Amazon While all kalimbas are hand-held instruments, they do vary in size. If you’re looking for one that you can easily bring along with you, check this mini one out. It’s so small you can easily hold it in one palm when you’re not playing it. It’s also not too loud, so you won’t have to worry about disturbing people as much while you practice. This mini kalimba features eight metal tines marked with interval numbers. Pros Very portable, you can bring this anywhere Durable in design, the Sapele wood body and stainless steel keys are built well You can hang it up with the included lanyards It’s unique and a conversation starter when you’re out and about Cons It’s not very loud, so it doesn’t work well for performance situations The numbering on the tines can be confusing for those unfamiliar with musical interval denominations Kalimba Thumb Piano with 17 Keys Colorful Kalimba This bright blue kalimba is fun for adults and kids alike.Best for Kids Find on Amazon If your child is eager to learn an instrument but you don’t want to shell out a ton of money to find out if they’re serious or not, give this kalimba a try. It’s a great price for an instrument that sounds nice and is easy to play. The mahogany box is painted blue to help make the instrument stand out. It’s harder to lose compared to the natural wood color. The keys are made from ore steel, so they’re very durable. This kalimba comes with everything your child needs to start playing. There are even finger protectors they can put on their thumbs to help prevent any soreness when they’re first learning to play. The tines have the notes on them, so you won’t have to deal with any sticker placements. It’s ready for your child to pick up and start playing. Pros Comes with a tuning hammer if the tines get out of tune Includes an instruction booklet with tips for beginners Durable construction so your child can play this for a long time Cons The blue paint can scratch off if something hard bangs against it or it gets dropped, but it’ll still play well. Clear Kalimba with 17 Keys See Through MusicThe transparent acrylic backing means you can easily see what's going on inside your finger piano. Best Acrylic Find on Amazon Are you looking for a kalimba that looks a little different? This bear-shaped option is made from clear acrylic for a lightweight feel and a unique look. This material also changes the sound slightly, so you’ll notice that compared to wooden versions, this one sounds more like a music box. It’s very peaceful. This finger piano has 17 metal keys that are easy to pluck. It comes with a tuning hammer so you can quickly tune your instrument. You also get sticker notes to help you mark the tines, a cleaning cloth, and a durable waterproof case to keep your kalimba safe. It’s everything you need to get started. Pros Shaped like the head of a bear Hard EVA case helps protect your kalimba from impact and water The curved sides are gentle on your hands and easy to hold Cons No soundhole, so it’s not the loudest The stickers for notes don’t always line up properly, so you may need to trim them before applying Frequently Asked Questions How do you play the kalimba? To begin, get a good hold on the instrument. You want to hold it in both hands so that it feels comfortable. You may need to use your index fingers on each side to provide support. Once your hands are in position, place your thumbs by the metal tines. To play a note, put the tip of one thumb on the tine you want to play. Then, use the tip of your finger near the fingernail to pluck it. Once you’ve mastered the pluck with both thumbs, you can then practice using both thumbs at once to produce chords. Can you tune a kalimba? Just like a regular piano, your kalimba may eventually need to be tuned. Many come with a tuning hammer that you can use. Gently tap the end of the tine to increase or decrease the length of the playable side. The longer the tine, the lower the pitch, and vice versa. If you want to properly tune your kalimba, consider getting a tuner or a tuning app on your phone to make sure each note is pitch-perfect.