The song happy birthday has got to be the most famous song of all time. It is sung to every person on their birthday, and the song has been recreated in every possible language. Whilst the origin isn't entirely known, the melody of the music dates back to 1893, in which the original song was called 'good morning to all.
The song was composed by American sisters Patty Hill and Mildred. The song was remade again in 1912 with the new lyrics: "happy birthday to you." Below are the notes to play the music on the kalimba, and it is in line with the songs original lyrics. You can choose to play the easy lettered notes or challenge yourself with the more advanced version with number notation—both are included, along with 36 other songs, in our exclusive The Complete Kalimba Player eBook!
Happy Birthday Song - Fun Facts
The song is the most performed in the English language, sung daily more than any other song. It even made its way into space in 1969 when astronauts aboard Apollo 9 sang it to their mission director. "Happy Birthday" remained under copyright until 2016 when a U.S. court ruled the claims invalid, making it free for use in public performances and media. Before this, it generated approximately $2 million annually in licensing fees.
Cultural adaptations are common, with different countries incorporating their own versions. For example, in Mexico, "Las Mañanitas" is traditionally sung instead. The song has appeared in countless movies and TV shows, often evoking a sense of celebration or nostalgia. Recognized worldwide, "Happy Birthday" has been translated into many languages, contributing to its global appeal.
Recommended Kalimba Tuning for Happy Birthday
Standard tuning is the most suitable for playing "Happy Birthday" on the kalimba, as it follows a diatonic scale that aligns well with the song's melody and is widely used by beginners. This tuning makes it easier for players to pick up the song without needing adjustments. For those interested in trying different tunings, options like C major diatonic tuning work well to maintain the song's harmony. Other tunings, such as D or G major, are also feasible but may require slight changes in finger placement to match the melody effectively.
Easy Kalimba Tab Letter Notes for Beginners
Below are the letter notes, number notation, and lyrics for an easy version of "Happy Birthday." Begin by playing the song slowly, focusing on accuracy and smooth transitions between notes. It’s helpful to practice smaller sections of the song individually for better learning. Once you're comfortable, challenge yourself by moving on to a more advanced version for further practice.
Hap-py birth-day to you
G G A G D° C°
hap-py birth-day to you
G G G° E° C° B A
Hap-py birth-day dear (persons name)
F° F° E° C° D° C°
hap-py birth-day to you
Hard Kalimba Tab Notation for Advanced Players
If you've mastered the basics, take your playing to the next level by adding embellishments and variations. Incorporate harmonies or dynamic touches to make the melody more engaging. The Complete Kalimba Player eBook is ideal for understanding these advanced techniques.
G G (A C) G (C° E G) (G B)
5 5 (6 1) 5 (1° 3 5) (5 7)
5 5 (6 1) 5 (2 2°) (1° 1 3 5)
G G (G° C) (E° E) C° C° B A
5 5 (5° 1) (3° 3) 1° 1° 7 6
4° 4° (3° 1) 1° (2° 2) (1° 1 3 5)
hap-py birth-day to you
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