How to play the kalimba with a sustain pedal
The Kalimba is a musical instrument much appreciated for its ease and versatility. It is popular with beginners and professionals alike. Although the Kalimba can be played without any accessories, the use of a sustain pedal can open up new possibilities. In this article, we'll look at how you can use a sustain pedal to improve your Kalimba playing.
What is a sustain pedal?
The sustain pedal is a common accessory for guitar and bass, but it's also very practical for playing the Kalimba. The sustain pedal connects to your instrument and works by holding the string at a constant level and maintaining the sound. It's a handy pedal for Kalimba players, as it allows you to maintain the sound for a longer time without having to keep playing it by hand.
How to use a sustain pedal
To use a sustain pedal with a Kalimba, you first need to buy a pedal compatible with your instrument. Then you'll need to connect your Kalimba to the pedal. This can be done using a guitar cable that connects on one end to the pedal and on the other end to your Kalimba. You'll then need to switch on the pedal and the Kalimba, and adjust the pedal to achieve the desired sound and feel. Once you've completed these steps, you're ready to have fun and experiment with a variety of rhythms and complex solo passages.
The advantages of playing the kalimba with a sustain pedal
Using a sustain pedal for the Kalimba is very popular, as it offers a wide range of advantages. Firstly, it makes it easier for beginner players to play and improve their skills through simple repetition. In addition, it enables more advanced Kalimba players to play longer phrases and switch more easily between passages. The sustain pedal can also be used to add effects to your music, adding depth and variety to your playing.
How to get even more sustainment?
The Kalimba is a very expressive instrument, and there are several ways to further enhance sustain. First, you can add a lid to your instrument. Lids can attenuate and reverberate smaller sounds to add depth to melodies. You can also change the playing style and use background rhythm and chords to enhance the melody. Longer strings also offer greater tonal variety and articulation.
In conclusion
By using a sustain pedal with your Kalimba, you can improve both your playing and your sound. However, you don't need a pedal to enjoy the benefits of the Kalimba. You can always learn to play without an accessory and experiment with different styles and techniques to improve your playing.