8-key vs 17-key kalimba: which one should you choose?

The difference between an 8-key and a 17-key kalimba is range. An 8-key mini kalimba plays one octave of the C major scale, a 17-key kalimba plays just over two octaves, from C4 to E6. That decides which songs fit, so for most players 17 keys is the better choice, while 8 keys suits young children and anyone who wants a pocket-sized instrument.

Below we compare the two in detail, with examples of songs that do and do not fit.

8 keys: C D E F G A B C. In tabs: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1°. That is one octave.

17 keys: C4 up to E6. In tabs: 1 to 7, then 1° to 7°, then 1°° 2°° 3°°. That is two octaves plus three notes.

Both play the same scale, C major, and both play in tune. The 17-key simply has more of it, above and on top of the same notes.

You also see 10-key kalimbas. They usually add a couple of notes above the octave. They fit a few more songs than 8 keys, but still far fewer than 17.

A song fits on an 8-key kalimba if its melody stays between the low C and the high C, without sharps or flats. Examples that work:

• Twinkle Twinkle Little Star: 1 1 5 5 6 6 5, 4 4 3 3 2 2 1
• Ode to Joy: 3 3 4 5 5 4 3 2, 1 1 2 3 3 2 2
• Mary Had a Little Lamb: 3 2 1 2 3 3 3
• Jingle Bells (chorus): 3 3 3, 3 3 3, 3 5 1 2 3

Examples that do not fit:

• Happy Birthday: in C it starts on the G below the higher C and climbs a full octave to the next G (5 up to 5°). On 8 keys you run out of notes.
• Jingle Bells (verse): dips below the low C.
• Most pop songs and film themes: they often need more than an octave, or a melody with chords underneath.

On a 17-key kalimba all of these fit, including Happy Birthday: 5 5 6 5 1° 7, 5 5 6 5 2° 1°.

With 17 keys you can play a melody on the higher tines and support it with chords or bass notes on the lower ones. That is where the kalimba starts to sound full. With 8 keys there is room for a few simple chords like C E G, but melody and accompaniment quickly get in each other's way.

• 8 keys: small and light, fits in a coat pocket. The short tines give a bright, high, music-box sound. Good for small hands.
• 17 keys: roughly the size of a small book, and still easy to hold. The longer middle tines give a deeper, warmer low end.

Almost every kalimba tab, songbook and video lesson online is written for 17 keys. With an 8-key you will regularly find songs you cannot play, or have to adapt. If you want to follow along with our song library, a 17-key kalimba is the safe choice.

• Young children who want to explore sound and play their first simple songs
• A small extra instrument to take on holiday or keep in a bag
• A low-key gift for someone who might like to try it
• Anyone who just wants to play gentle improvised melodies

Have a look at the small kalimbas, like the Pocket Mini Kalimba.

• Every beginner who wants to really learn to play
• Children from around 7 or 8 who want to play real songs
• Adults who want to follow tabs, songbooks or online lessons
• Anyone who wants melody and chords together

Browse the 17-key collection, which has wooden models in mahogany and sapele and acrylic models in clear and illustrated designs.

If you are unsure, choose 17 keys. It is not harder to learn than 8, because the extra notes simply continue the same zigzag pattern, and you will not outgrow it. Choose 8 keys when small size or a young child's hands matter more than range.

Hear the full range of a 17-key model on the playable kalimba on our home page. If you decide on 17 keys, the Kalimba Starter Set includes a hard case, note stickers and a tuning hammer. Still comparing? Read Which kalimba should you buy?