How to hold the Kalimba and how to move your thumbs
1
By this first way, you will hold the kalimba men firmly in your hands and you can hold it tilted with respect to your face: you can play it by resting your elbows on a table, your thighs or as you are comfortable.Finally, this position allows you to produce all the sound effects because your fingers get to the holes
2
This second method is certainly more unnatural but equally effective.
You must place the base of your fingers (index, middle, ring and little finger) in the recesses of the harmonic box. The kalimba will be parallel to the ground and your wrists bent down.
I know it seems uncomfortable, but I assure you that it is very useful for your posture: this position forces you to keep your back straight and to sit or kneel.
Also, it forces you to pinch the tines correctly.
Move your thumbs
It is advisable to follow a specific technique to pinch the tines: it will help you to produce a sweeter sound even by performing fast tracks.
Place your fingertip on the tine; caress it gently (be romantic with your musical instrument3); pinch it with your fingernail.
Don’t just use your fingernail or your fingertip, otherwise you’ll get a rough, pounding sound. Kalimba is a relaxing tool, not nervous!
You have to draw a wave with your thumbs.