Kalimba Tuner Online – 17 Keys in C
Most 17-key kalimbas are tuned to C major, from C4 (middle C) to E6. The longest key sits in the middle and plays the low C; the notes then climb outward, alternating left and right, so the tines get shorter toward the edges. Keys can shift a little in shipping, so it pays to check a brand-new kalimba before you play.
17-key kalimba notes and frequencies
17-key kalimba in C major, left to right, at A4 = 440 Hz. Number: the scale degree engraved on the key (1 = C; a dot above = one octave up).
| Position | Number | Note | Frequency (Hz) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2̈ | D6 | 1174.66 |
| 2 | 7̇ | B5 | 987.77 |
| 3 | 5̇ | G5 | 783.99 |
| 4 | 3̇ | E5 | 659.26 |
| 5 | 1̇ | C5 | 523.25 |
| 6 | 6 | A4 | 440.00 |
| 7 | 4 | F4 | 349.23 |
| 8 | 2 | D4 | 293.66 |
| 9 | 1 | C4 | 261.63 |
| 10 | 3 | E4 | 329.63 |
| 11 | 5 | G4 | 392.00 |
| 12 | 7 | B4 | 493.88 |
| 13 | 2̇ | D5 | 587.33 |
| 14 | 4̇ | F5 | 698.46 |
| 15 | 6̇ | A5 | 880.00 |
| 16 | 1̈ | C6 | 1046.50 |
| 17 | 3̈ | E6 | 1318.51 |
How to use it
- Tap Turn on microphone and allow access when the browser asks.
- Tap the key you want to tune in the row of keys; the middle key, 1 (C4), is selected to start. Play key sounds its note.
- Pluck that key on its own with your thumbnail and let it ring. The needle and cents show flat (↑) or sharp (↓); green means in tune.
- Flat: tap the tip of the key with the hammer so it slides in a little. Sharp: tap the back end, behind the bridge, so it slides out.
- To let the tuner recognize each key by itself, open Settings and choose Auto.
Help and explanations
This kalimba tuner lays out all 17 keys in the order you see on the instrument, labeled with the numbers engraved on many models. It runs in your browser on a phone or computer, free and with nothing to install.
17-key kalimba tuning chart
Left to right, a 17-key kalimba in C reads D6 B5 G5 E5 C5 A4 F4 D4 C4 E4 G4 B4 D5 F5 A5 C6 E6: the D B G E C A F D C E G B D F A C E order that makers such as Thomann and Hokema list. Sorted low to high, that is two full C major scales plus C6, D6 and E6. The chart at the top of the page lists every key with its frequency at A4 = 440 Hz.
The engraved numbers are scale degrees: 1 = C, 2 = D, 3 = E, 4 = F, 5 = G, 6 = A, 7 = B. One dot above a number means one octave higher, two dots two octaves higher, and a dot below one octave lower (used on 21-key models). Kalimba tabs use the same numbers, so 1, 1̇ and 1̈ are the three Cs.
How to tune a kalimba with a hammer
One rule covers it: shorter sounds higher, longer sounds lower. The vibrating part runs from the bridge to the tip you pluck. Tapping the tip pushes the key in and raises the pitch; tapping the back end, which sticks out behind the bridge, slides it out and lowers the pitch. Kalimba maker Collins Rhythmcraft gives the same rule: tap the front to raise, the back to lower.
Use small taps and pluck again after each one. Kalimba Magic estimates that a normal tap moves the pitch about 5 cents, so for a bigger change move the key by hand first and finish with the hammer. Recheck the neighboring keys at the end and keep the tines straight and evenly spaced so they don't buzz.
21-key, 10-key and 8-key kalimbas
Every note on this page belongs to C major between C4 and E6. A 21-key kalimba in C has the same 17 notes plus four lower ones in the middle, F3 G3 A3 B3: tune the 17 here and the low four with the chromatic tuner. The 10-key layout matches the inner ten keys of the 17-key (C4 to E5), and most 8-key kalimbas play a C major scale from C to C. If your notes fall inside C4–E6, switch to Auto; for a mini kalimba in another key, use the chromatic tuner.
Tips
- Pluck gently: a hard attack adds overtones that can make the reading jump an octave.
- If other keys ring in sympathy and move the needle, rest a finger on them while you tune.
- Before tapping, mark the key's position at the bridge with a pencil so you can always get back to it.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are on a 17-key kalimba?
In C major, C4 to E6: C D E F G A B across two octaves, plus a high C, D and E. The middle key is C4, and the notes alternate left and right up to D6 on the far left and E6 on the far right.
How do you tune a kalimba without a hammer?
Use your fingers: grip the key and push it in to raise the pitch, or pull it out to lower it, in very small moves. Kalimba Magic's tuning guide finds fingers give the best control, though it can be hard on them; small pliers with tape on the jaws also work without scratching. Check each move with the tuner.
Do I need a kalimba tuner app?
No. This tuner runs in the browser on iPhone, Android or a computer: allow the microphone and it works like an app, free and without an account.
Can I use it for a 21-key kalimba?
Yes, for 17 of its 21 keys, which share the same notes. Tune the four low keys in the middle (F3, G3, A3, B3) with the chromatic tuner.
Can I tune my kalimba to another key?
Moving a few keys by a semitone is common: raising every F to F♯ turns a C kalimba into G major. Do it with the chromatic tuner, and mark the original positions first.