November 8, 2006
Advanced 1-4-5 Progression on the Kalimba

In yesterday's Tip, we introduced the "root-fifth" backbone of the "I-IV-V" progression on Alto and Treble kalimbas. Today, we add a few more notes to make life more interesting:

The treble part reproduces the alto part note for note, but an octave higher. Just as yesterday, the first two measures are the "I" chord, or G. The third measure is the "IV" chord, or C; and the last measure is the "V" chord, or D. We are not actually making the entire chord here, but just the "root" and the "fifth" of each chord. But we've added some extras for fun.

The first four cycles of this recording demonstrate yesterday's tip, and the next four cycles show how to do today's tip. After that, I just get a little goofy. But you know what? I maintain the I-IV-V pattern all the way through, and you can just keep on playing either yesterday's or today's pattern. Try it, you'll love it!