Discover easy nursery rhymes that you can play on the kalimba. Our simple tabs will have you playing some songs in no time.
1. Soft Kitty (kalimba tab)
Soft kitty is a kids song that was popularised by characters sheldon and penny in the american sitcom The Big Bang Theory. Originally known as "warm kitty" the song was written by Edith Newling. Heirs of Edith Newlin's filed a copyright lawsuit in December 2015 against various companies associated with The Big Bang Theory.
The song is featured in Season 1 episode: The Pancake Batter Anomaly, where sheldon is feeling unwell and asks penny to sing him the song that his mother used to sing to him when he was sick as a child. In 1937, the song was published in a book called Songs for The Nursery School and it went on to sell over 10,000 copies. This is probably the easiest song to play on the kalimba, see the tab below.
D B B C A A G A B C D
Soft Kit-ty, warm kit-ty, lit-tle ball of fur
D D B B C C A A G A G
Hap-py kit-ty, slee-py kit-ty, purr purr purr.
2. Frère Jacques (kalimba tab)
Frère Jacques is a very well known kid's French nursery rhyme, it was originally written by Rameau. The English lyrics translate to: Are you sleeping? Are you sleeping? Brother John, brother john. The morning bells are ringing. The morning bells are ringing. Ding, dang, dong. Ding, dang, dong.
First sung in the late 17th century, there have been many versions of the song throughout history. The first printed version of the melody actually dates back to 1780 and therefore the exact original lyrics aren’t actually known.
However, we do know that the song was extremely popular and has been translated around the world from Afrikaans to Xhosa through Japanese. Although never being a ‘chart song’ it was recorded by The Beatles and has remained an important part of British culture, being sung in primary schools throughout the country.
It’s a fantastic song to start off with for several reasons. Firstly, it’s relatively easy to play. Once you understand the melody, you’ll gain a strong grasp of the song and soon learn the lyrics that accompany the music. It can be taught at all ages and therefore is a great song to teach your children from a very early age. Being extremely versatile, they can also play it on different instruments should they pick up others in the future!
Get the full letter notation tab now.
3. Rain Rain Go Away (kalimba tab)
Rain Rain Go Away is a song that was written in 1533 and dates back to the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Despite the time it was written, it wasn't commercially released until 1962 by Bobby Vinton. The song tells the story that is set at the carnival in which the weather is sunny at the beginning and towards the end the rain comes. Since its first release it has been released as a childrens nursery rhyme in 2014. The rain for some people is associated with negativity but hopefully this super easy kalimba tab will cheer you up!
G E G G E G G E A G G E
Rain rain go a-way come a-gain a-noth-er day
F F D D F F D G F E D E C C
Lit-tle child-ren want to play. Rain rain go a way.
4. Mary Had a Little Lamb (kalimba tab)
Mary had a little lamb is a common kids’ nursery rhyme by composer Lowell Martin. The song is based on a real-life incident involving Mary Elizabeth Sawyer. Mary was born in 1806 on a farm in Scotland and she had a pet lamb that she absolutely loved. The song is commonly taught very early on in school, being both very relaxing and enjoyable for children to sing along to. The simple melody is very easy to pick up, which makes it one of the best options when it comes to introducing your child to music.
When played on the kalimba, the instrument adds further to the relaxing tune which can be used to help both you and your little ones unwind after a long day. This kalimba tab is suitable for any beginner and one you learn to play the first two lines, it is then repeated. Once you've got used to the changes, you will be able to sing along. Kids love a good nursery rhyme before bed, and when it's played on the kalimba it has a dramatic calming effect.
Get the nursery rhyme tab in our kalimba songbook.
5. Here we go round the mulberry bush
F F F A C° C° A F F
F F F A C° C° A F F
G G C C F F
F F F A C° C° A F F
F F F A C° C° C° A F F
F F F A C° C° A F F
G G C C F F
F F F A C° C° A F F
F F F A C° C° A F
F F F A C° C° A F F
6. Old MacDonald Had a Farm (kalimba tab)
Old MacDonald had A farm is a popular nursery rhyme and animal song for children. It was recorded in the united states. Its first publication was approximately 1917. It is believed that the song was inspired by an American tune named “Ohio” (Old Macdougal Had a Farm) which was first published in Tommy’s Tune collection. This collection was a WWI era of tunes published in 1917. However, the history of this song dates back even further. In 1908, the song “Workhouse Marylebone” a rest home in London” was discovered in England.
This song was originally sung by an old lady named Mrs. Goodey and was eventually published in Cecil Sharp’s Collection of English Folk Songs. No matter when the original was first discovered, this song is a timeless classic and one that can be enjoyed by adults and children.
Get the full tab in our ebook.
7. London Bridge is falling down
G A G F E F G
D E F E F G
G A G F E F G
D G E C
8. The wheels on the bus
G (C°E) C° C° (C°G) E° (G°E) E° (C°G)
(D°F) B G
(G°E) E° (C°G) G (C°E)
C° C° (C°G)
E° (G°E) E° (C°G)
(D°F)
G G (C°E)
9. Incy Wincy Spider (kalimba tab)
Incy wincy spider is a popular modern nursery rhyme, according to various internet sources it started off as a song for adults that was called Camp and Camino’ with the main words being ‘blooming, bloody instead of ‘Itsy Bitsy’. The song itself was first published in 1920 and variations of the lyrics are still being used today in various regions. The idea of the song is very positive and it aims to inspire children to never give up. For example, when the rain brings you down, keep going because the sun will come out and you can try again. As a kalimba tab, the song works really well because of the instruments lullaby type sound and is sure to help your little one sleep like a baby.
On top of that it is one of the easiest songs to play on the thumb piano and is suitable for any beginner. Teaching your child this song at home will help to reinforce what they’re learning in school and also provide them with a great musical foundation to build upon. Due to the ease of learning the song, your little one can begin learning very early, which may encourage them to pick up additional instruments as they proceed throughout the school curriculum.
10. Heads, shoulders, knees and toes
C° D° C° B C° A
Head, shoul-ders, knees and toes,
C° C° C°
knees and toes,
C° D° C° B C° A
Head, shoul-ders, knees and toes,
C° C° C°
knees and toes.
A G F A C°
A-and eyes and, ears
F° G° F° E° F° D°
And, mou-outh a -and nose
E° E° C° D° E° F°
Head, shoul-ders, knees and toes,
F F F
knees and toes.
11. Row, row row your boat
C C C D E
Row row row your boat
E D E F G
Gent-ly down the stream;
C° C° C° G G G
Mer-ri-ly, Mer-ri-ly
E E E C C C
Mer-ri-ly, Mer-ri-ly
G F E D C
Life is but a dream!
12. Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall
Humpty Dumpty is a complete classic that is loved by children, the melody is instantly recognisable and sounds awesome on the kalimba.
13. I love you (Barney song)
G E G G E G
A G F E D E F
E F G C C C C C D E F G
G D D F E D C
G E G G E G
A G F E D E F
E F G C C C C C D E F G
14. Bingo was his name-o
There was a farmer who had a dog,
C F F C C D D C
And Bingo was his name-o.
C F F G G A F
B-I-N-G-O
A A B B B
B-I-N-G-O
G G A A A
B-I-N-G-O
F F G G G
And Bingo was his name-o.
F E C D E F F
15. Rock a bye baby
Rock-a-bye, baby,
C E A G F
in the tree top
C C F E
When the wind blows
F D B A
the cradle will rock
G G F D C
When the bough breaks
C E A G
the cradle will fall
F C C F E
Down will come baby,
F D B A F
cradle and all
G D E F
16. The lion sleeps tonight
G A B A, B C° B A G, A B D D D D
G A B A, B C° B A G, A B D D D D
G A B A, B C° B A G, A B A G B A
D° B A B, D° C° B A G, A B A G B A
D D° C° D° C° B D D D D
D D° C° D° C° B D D D D
G A B A, B C° B A G, A B A G B A
D° B A B, D° C° B A G, A B A G B A
D D° C° D° C° B D D D D
D D° C° D° C° B D D D D
D D° C° D° C° B D D B A
17. If your happy and you know it
Get ready to clap your hands and be happy with this nursery rhyme. This is more than a catchy children’s song—it’s a globally recognized tool for learning and development, rooted in a traditional Spanish folk melody. Its simple, repetitive format helps kids express emotions, build coordination, and follow instructions, making it a favourite among educators and therapists. With endless variations and actions, it’s a playful way for children everywhere to explore feelings and have fun.
18. Hickory dickory dock
E F G F E D E E
E G F D E E
E E G G F F A
G A G F E D C
19. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
“Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” is a 200-year-old poem by Jane Taylor set to a French melody that also inspired the ABC song and “Baa Baa Black Sheep.” Loved by parents and teachers alike, it boosts memory, rhythm, and language skills, and even Mozart composed variations of it. Though we usually sing just one verse, the original has five, offering a deeper, poetic look at the night sky.
Learn to play twinkle twinkle in our ebook!
20. Jack and Jill went up the hill
G G G G C° C° C° C°
D° D° D° D° E° C°
G G G G A A A A
G F E D C C
21. I can sing a rainbow
C D E D C
E G G A F D G E C
D E F G C B° A
G C G F E G E D C
22. Ring-a-ring-a-roses
Ring-a-ring-a-roses
G B B A C B G
A pocket full of posies
G B B A C B G
A tissue, a tissue
B D° G B D° G
We all fall down
B D° D G
23. Pop goes the weasel
G C° C° D° D° E° G° E° C°
G C° C° D° F° E° C°
G C° C° D° D° E° G° E° C°
A° D° F° E° C° G C° C° D°
D° E ° G° E° C° G C° C° D°
F° E° C° G C° C° D°
D° E° G° E° C°
G C° C° D° F° E° C°
G C° C° D° D° E° G° E° C°
A° D° F° E° C°
24. You are my sunshine
G C D E E E DE C C
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine.
C D E F A A G F E
You make me happy when skies are grey.
C D E F A A G F E C
You'll never know dear, how much I love you.
C D E F D D E C
Please don't take my sunshine away.
25. Happy Birthday to You
Learn how to play the most famous nursery rhyme of all, happy birthday is a must learn song when it comes to playing the kalimba. It is one of the best songs to learn becuase it allows you to play and sing the lyrics at the same time which can supercharge your timing which is an essential part of learning to play the kalimba.
Get the full tab in our ebook!
26. This old man
G E G G E G
A G F E D E F
E F G C C D C
C D E F G
G D D F E D C
(C E) G E G (C E) G E G
A G F E D E F
E F (C E) G C C D C
C D E F G
G D D F E D C
27. Three blind mice
Dating back to 1609, “Three Blind Mice” is one of the oldest nursery rhymes, possibly referencing Queen Mary I’s persecution of Protestant bishops. Its catchy repetition helps kids build speech and memory skills, and its simple tune is ideal for beginner musicians. Despite its dark backstory, it remains a global childhood classic.
Get the full kalimba tab here.
28. The Finger Family Song
Daddy finger, daddy finger, where are you?
C E G G , C E G G , A C° G
Here I am, here I am
C° G G, C° G G
How do you do?
D D E C
29. I’m A Little Teapot
Written in 1939 to help kids learn dance moves, “I’m a Little Teapot” combines simple lyrics with playful actions that build coordination, rhythm, and confidence. Though it started in the U.S., it became a worldwide preschool favourite, evolving with fun new verses and variations over time.
30. Ten little Indians
C° C° C° C° C° C°
E° G° G° E° C°
D° D° D° D° D° D°
B D° D° B G
C° C° C° C° C° C°
E° G° G° E° C°
G° F° F° E° D° C°
C° C° C° C° C° C°
E° G° G° E° C°
D° D° D° D° D° D°
31. Hot Cross Buns
Hot Cross Buns is a traditional nursery rhyme and song that has been passed down through generations. It is believed to have originated in England in the 18th century, and it is typically associated with the Christian holiday of Good Friday. The song's catchy melody and simple lyrics have made it a favorite among children and adults alike. The lyrics of the song are about a vendor selling hot cross buns on the streets. The song's repetitive melody and playful tone make it fun to sing along to, and it continues to be a beloved children's song all over the world.
E D C E D C
C C C C D D D D E D C
32. The ABC Song
This popular childrens nursery rhyme teaches the alphabet in a fun and engaging way. The song helps young children learn the letters of the alphabet by singing them in sequence to a catchy melody. It serves as a foundational tool for early childhood education, aiding in language development and pre-literacy skills. The song's repetitive structure and lively tune make learning the alphabet enjoyable and memorable for young learners.
C C G G A A G
F F E E D D D D C
G G F E E D
G G G F E E D
C C G G A A G
F F E E D D C
33. Blippi - The Excavator Song
The Excavator Song is a fun and educational children's song performed by Blippi, a popular children's entertainer known for his educational videos. In the song, Blippi sings about the various parts and functions of an excavator, a type of heavy construction machinery used for digging and moving materials.
The lyrics describe how the excavator's bucket scoops up dirt and rocks, its tracks help it move around, and its arm and boom can reach high and low. The song is accompanied by colorful visuals and catchy music, making it engaging for young viewers while teaching them about construction equipment.
D D D A E F#
D D D A E D
D D D A E F#
E E E E A E D
D E F# F# F#
D E F# F# F# B
E E E F# B
E E E D E F# F# F# G F#
E E E E A E D
D E F# F# F#
34. Five Little Ducks
Five Little Ducks is a popular children's song that tells the story of five ducklings who venture away from their mother. As they explore the world, each duckling gradually disappears or gets lost, leaving the mother duck searching for them. The song follows a repetitive structure, with each verse counting down the remaining ducklings until they are all reunited with their mother. It's a playful and educational tune aimed at teaching young children about numbers, subtraction, and the importance of staying close to family.
C° C° C° C° E° G° E° C°
D° D° D° D° C° B C° D°
C° C° C° C° E° G° G° G°
C° D° D° E° D° C° C° C°
35. Blow the Man Down
Blow the Man Down is a classic sea shanty where a sailor from Hong Kong, beckons young sailors to listen to his tales of life at sea. In exchange for a drink, he offers to share his experiences aboard ships like the Black Ball, showcasing the varied backgrounds of sailors and the rugged life they lead. The song highlights Jack Williams as the commanding figure and advises against challenging the authority of seasoned sailors.
(G’ G) G’ G’ A’ G’ E’ C’ E’
G’ A’ G’ E’ (G’ C’) A’
F’ E’ F’ D’ F’ F’ G’ F’ D’ B D’
F’ G’ F’ D’ (G’ G) (G’ G)
(G’ G) (G’ G) (G’ G)
F’ E’ D’ E’ C’ G
(C E G) (C A) G E C E
(C G) (E A) G E
(C E G) (C A) F E F D F’
(F F’) G’ F’ D’ B D’
The Only Kalimba Guide You’ll Ever Need!
The Complete Kalimba Player eBook is a 62-page resource packed with tuning guides, diagrams, exclusive tips, and 37 easy songs for all skill levels. Save time with this all-in-one guide—the only resource you’ll ever need! Get instant access to a quality-checked, printable PDF full of variety.
Was £10, now £5—offer ends soon, get yours now and start your kalimba journey today!
1 comment
Janet Hales
Thank you for the helpful kalimba tabs.